Paraguay reaches last 16 after penalty upset of Germany
Gustavo Alfaro praised Paraguay’s discipline after a 4-3 shootout win over Germany sent his team into the World Cup last 16.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Paraguay knocked Germany out of the World Cup on Monday, winning a penalty shootout to reach the last 16 and deliver one of the tournament’s biggest results. Coach Gustavo Alfaro said his players produced an “extraordinary” effort against a side he described as one of the leading contenders, AFP reported.
The match in Foxborough finished 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties. Orlando Gill made two saves in the shootout, helping end Germany’s perfect record in World Cup penalty shootouts, according to AFP.
Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the first half before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany. AFP reported that Jonathan Tah later had a goal ruled out, with Germany unable to turn its pressure into a winning goal before penalties.
Alfaro said the game carried pressure from the opening stages because Paraguay knew the quality of its opponent. “I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone,” he said, according to AFP.
The coach credited Paraguay’s players with following the plan and reducing Germany’s space. He said the team worked hard to stop Germany from settling into its usual rhythm and accepted that the defensive demands limited Paraguay going forward.
Alfaro also pointed to the weather in Massachusetts, saying the heat added to the physical burden. He said Paraguay lacked some elements in attack because of the effort needed to recover the ball and close down Germany’s players.
Shootout drama after missed chances to seal win
Paraguay had chances to finish the shootout earlier, but Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that would have clinched the victory, AFP reported. Alfaro said the extended shootout fit the character of a team used to suffering before getting over the line.
“It seems if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count,” Alfaro said, according to AFP. He dedicated the qualification to Paraguayans who had kept faith in the team.
The win gave Paraguay only its second knockout victory at a World Cup, AFP reported. It also set up a possible meeting with France, if Didier Deschamps’s team beats Sweden on Tuesday.
Enciso, who plays for Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1, said Paraguay would prepare for France as a team full of top-level players if that match is confirmed. He said Paraguay also has qualities of its own and would try to make life difficult for any opponent.
Enciso left the Germany match in the second half with an injury, according to AFP. He said Paraguay respected Germany because of the players in its squad, but added that the team was not afraid of anyone.
A victory in the next round would equal Paraguay’s best World Cup finish. AFP reported that Paraguay last reached the quarterfinals in 2010, when it lost to eventual champion Spain on a late goal.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.