Paraguay's goalkeeper #12 Orlando Gill celebrates with teammates after winning the penalty shootout.
Paraguay declares national holiday after stunning World Cup upset against Germany
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Paraguay secured one of the most significant upsets in recent FIFA World Cup history by eliminating four-time champions Germany in the Round of 32.
The match, held at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ended 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Julio Enciso opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 42nd minute with a header, marking the team's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout stage.
Germany equalized through Kai Havertz in the 54th minute.
Despite Germany's dominance in possession and expected goals, Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill delivered outstanding performances, making crucial saves that proved decisive in the shootout.
The penalty shootout saw Germany suffer their first-ever defeat in a World Cup tiebreaker.
Key misses by German players, including Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah, allowed Paraguay to advance, with José Canale converting the decisive kick.
This result represents the biggest achievement in Paraguayan football history and sends the Albirroja into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
In response to the national euphoria, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña promptly declared a public holiday across the country. The announcement, shared via social media with the emphatic message “¡PARAGUAY NUNCA SE RINDE! ¡¡FERIADO CARAJO!!” (Paraguay never gives up! Public holiday, damn it!).
The decision leverages Paraguayan law permitting the executive branch to designate limited additional public holidays annually.
Celebrations erupted nationwide, with streets filling with fans waving flags and chanting in support of the team, underscoring football's central role in national identity.
