Paraguay's Grit and Self-Belief Knock Germany Out, Seal Historic FIFA World Cup Milestone

Foxborough- Paraguay scripted one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup after defeating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to book a place in the Round of 16 on Tuesday. Players and coaching staff credited unwavering belief, thorough preparation and fighting spirit for the landmark victory.

Paraguay triumphed 4-3 in the shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, ending Germany's long unbeaten record in World Cup penalty shootouts.

The victory marked Paraguay's first-ever win in a World Cup knockout fixture. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing a memorable performance.

"I had 26 warriors before the match, and they became legends after it," Alfaro said, according to Xinhua. "Maybe we'll be eliminated in the next round, maybe not. We'll see. But this match was epic."

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The Argentine manager highlighted the determination of his squad, comparing their humble beginnings with Germany's world-class football system.

"Our opponents are developed in the best academies in Europe. We come from the red earth," he said. "We learned to play football barefoot, with parents making sacrifices so their children could pursue their dreams. That's where we come from."

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay's hero by saving two penalties and earning the Player of the Match award. The 26-year-old said his performance was the outcome of detailed planning.

"I analyzed every player, every aspect, every detail. I was able to save two penalties, and that proved decisive for our qualification," Gill said.

He acknowledged the relentless challenge posed by Germany throughout the contest.

"It was like a horror movie. The Germans just kept appearing everywhere," he added.

Julio Enciso, who scored for Paraguay, said the team respected Germany's quality but never let its reputation affect their confidence.

"We respected them because they have very good players, but we weren't afraid of anyone," Enciso said.

Paraguay will next face the winner of Tuesday's Round-of-32 clash between France and Sweden for a place in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead, Enciso said Paraguay would stick to its attacking identity regardless of the opponent.

"They have top-class players. There's no need to mention their names because they are stars," he said. "But we also have our own strengths, and with our style of play we'll try to trouble whoever we face."

With inputs from IANS