Paraguay Knocks Out Four-Time World Cup Champions Germany
Football fans across Belize watched an instant World Cup classic as Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating four-time champions Germany on penalties.
After 120 tense minutes that concluded with a draw of 1-1, the match went to penalties, where Paraguay maintained their composure to secure a 4-3 victory, which secured the team’s advancement to the quarter-finals.
Paraguay came into the match ranked 41st in the world, 31 places below Germany, had averaged less than one goal per game during qualifying, and had not appeared at a World Cup since 2010. None of it mattered.
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The decisive moment came when Jose Canale stepped up and smashed home the winning penalty, leading to emotional celebrations among players and supporters who could hardly believe what they had just witnessed.
Speaking after the match, defender Gustavo Gómez said the team had shown its true character and fighting spirit, adding, “We dedicate this to all the people of Paraguay.”
Paraguay’s president declared a national holiday within hours of the final whistle.