Paraguay produced perhaps the biggest upset of the World Cup as Germany lost 4-3 on penalties in the last 32.
Published June 30, 2026
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro on Monday praised his players for an “extraordinary” performance after their side beat Germany on penalties to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
In Foxboro, Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead, but Kai Havertz tied it and it looked like four-time world champion Germany would finally prevail in overtime.
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But Jonathan Tarr’s goal was chalked away and goalkeeper Orlando Gil made two crucial saves as Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
“Like everyone, I had a very intense experience,” Alfaro said.
“It was a tense match from start to finish, because we knew we were up against a very high-quality opponent who was one of the main title contenders and who was considered the favorite beforehand.”
Coach Alfaro said his team executed its game plan effectively and limited Germany’s ability to impose its style.
“The players fully understood what was required of the game and made a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding space and playing their game,” he said.
He acknowledged the physical strain of the contest, pointing to the grueling conditions on a hot Massachusetts day.
“Certainly we were lacking in some things, but the demands of this game were very high. The temperatures were also high and the constant effort to recover and close the spaces often left us without the energy to attack,” Alfaro added.
Germany had never lost a World Cup penalty shootout before, but Paraguay held on even after Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that would have sealed victory.
Alfaro felt that even that was part of Paraguay’s identity.
“If we don’t suffer, it doesn’t seem to matter.The penalty shootout was dramatic, and we progressed to the sixth penalty,” he said, dedicating the victory to the supporters.
“This qualification is given to all Paraguayans who believed in us.”
This is the second time Paraguay has won in the World Cup finals. If Didier Deschamps’ side can defeat Sweden on Tuesday, they could face tournament favorites France.
Enciso, who plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, acknowledged the challenges ahead but said he was confident Paraguay could continue their surprising run.
Coach Enciso, who came on as a substitute in the second half due to injury, said: “They are a very good team, they have players of the highest level. There is no need to mention their names. They are stars. They have won everything and we will prepare to play against them.”
“We have our own strengths, so we will try to make it difficult for any opponent with our style of play.”
If Paraguay wins the next game, they will match their best result at the World Cup. They reached the quarterfinals in 2010, but lost to eventual champions Spain on a late goal.
Enciso attributed Paraguay’s victory over Germany to the team’s fearless mentality.
“We knew their players and we had a lot of respect for them. They have very good players. But we’re not afraid of anyone,” he said.
