Paraguay have advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Germany on penalties, 4-3. The star of the night was Orlando Gill, who saved two penalties in the shootout to push the South American side to the next round.
Germany controlled the game in the first half with 79% possession, but they were unable to register a shot on target, despite keeping Paraguay in their half for most of the opening period. Paraguay stayed composed and defended well when needed. Their ability to counter was always going to be a threat, and they capitalized when it mattered most.
Completely against the run of play, Paraguay opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. After the initial corner was cleared, a wonderful slide tackle from Bombadilla kept play alive before Galarza was able to get a promising ball in. Enciso ran onto it brilliantly and headed it past Neuer to give Paraguay the lead.
With a lead heading into the second half, the message was clear for Paraguay: defend, defend, defend. After just nine minutes, Germany equalized with a goal from Kai Havertz. Florian Wirtz delivered a beautifully curling ball that found its way to Havertz’s head.
Paraguay’s motor and defensive intensity was nonstop and managed to withstand Germany’s attack for the remaining 36 minutes of the half. With a 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes, the game advanced to extra time. The biggest moment of the extra 30 minutes came in the 104th when Germany *thought* they got the winner. Jonathan Tah’s header was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was deemed to have blocked Gill prior to the goal being scored.
The game went on to penalties, with Germany starting on a bad note with goalscorer Kai Havertz missing the team’s first penalty. After five straight made penalties, it was Nick Woltemalde’s penalty that was once again saved by Gill. With a second miss, all favoured Paraguay to seal the match in their final two penalties. Both Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed their penalties, sending the shootout into the “sudden death” scenario. With Germany first up, center-back Jonathan Tah sent his penalty far above the post and put Paraguay back in control. José Canale buried the final penalty and completed the shock win for Paraguay against four-time World Cup winners, Germany.
Paraguay will next play against the winner of France vs. Sweden on July 4th in Philadelphia.
