Overview
- Paraguay defeated four-time champion Germany in a 4-3 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on Monday, June 29, with the match decided at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
- Julio Enciso scored Paraguay’s first ever World Cup knockout-stage goal in the 41st minute and later dedicated the victory to his late grandfather while visibly emotional in postgame interviews.
- Goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two German penalties in the shootout and Jose Canalé converted Paraguay’s sixth spot kick to clinch the upset.
- Coach Gustavo Alfaro praised the team’s resilience after the match and President Santiago Peña declared the following day a national holiday as fans poured into the streets of Asunción to celebrate.
- Paraguay’s win ends a long absence from World Cup knockout success and now sets up a Round of 16 match on July 4 in Philadelphia that could reshape the tournament bracket if Paraguay advances again.