29/06/2026 21:04 - Deportes
The Paraguay national team wrote a golden page in their football history by eliminating Germany in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The match, played at the iconic Gillette Stadium in Boston on Sunday, June 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM local time, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout that Paraguay won 4-3.
For context, La Albirroja (Paraguay's nickname, meaning 'The White and Red') faced one of the most successful national teams in football history. Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, was the heavy favorite, but Paraguay's defensive discipline and heart prevailed.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who plays for Argentine club San Lorenzo, was the man of the match, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Defender José Canale converted the decisive penalty, triggering wild celebrations from the Paraguayan fans in the stands.
| Order | Germany | Result | Paraguay | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kai Havertz | SAVED | Mauricio Magalhaes | GOAL (1-0) |
| 2nd | Joshua Kimmich | GOAL | Gustavo Gómez | GOAL (2-1) |
| 3rd | Jamal Musiala | GOAL | Matías Galarza Fonda | GOAL (3-2) |
| 4th | Nick Woltemade | SAVED | Antonio Sanabria | MISSED |
| 5th | Nadiem Amiri | GOAL | Fabián Balbuena | SAVED |
| 6th | Jonathan Tah | MISSED | José Canale | GOAL (4-3) |
The goalkeeper, who plays his club football for San Lorenzo in Argentina's top division, did not hide his emotion after achieving this historic feat:
"An immense emotion, it was a very difficult match. From the first moment they said they were going to attack us from everywhere, we knew how to hold them off and open the scoring. They found the equalizer, but we managed to hold on and win in penalties. You have to analyze every player, every detail, and thank God I was able to save two penalties. It was fundamental for the qualification. It's a privilege, we eliminated a champion. This is dedicated to all the Paraguayan people and especially to a nephew who is going through a difficult time and is hospitalized."
The German national team, one of the most successful in history with four World Cup titles, has added another chapter to their recent struggles. Since their triumph in the Brazil 2014 final against Argentina, Germany has not won a single knockout match in World Cups.
After group stage eliminations in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, they now fall in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup against a Paraguayan side that imposed its defensive and disciplined style.
La Albirroja already had experience with penalty shootouts in World Cups. In South Africa 2010, Paraguay eliminated Japan in the Round of 16 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.
Back then, legendary goalkeeper Justo Villar was the hero. Now, Orlando Gill has taken the mantle and guided his national team to another historic milestone.
Much can be said about Paraguay's playing style, which some might consider overly defensive. However, the team led by Gustavo Alfaro stood firm in Boston with their own weapons: tactical organization, defensive discipline, and sacrifice in every challenge.
Even without their key players—Julio Enciso had to leave due to injury and Diego Gómez missed the match due to suspension—Paraguay withstood the German attacks and frustrated a European side that only created danger through crosses without clear ideas.
Paraguay already knows they will face another European team in the Round of 16. Their opponent will emerge from the match between France and Sweden, which will be decided on Tuesday. La Albirroja will face another high-level challenge, but with the confidence of having eliminated one of football's historic powerhouses.
Sources: CNN en Español | TyC Sports
Alfredo S. Quiroga
