Paraguay’s national team made history at the 2026 World Cup: the team coached by Gustavo Alfaro held a 1-1 draw against Germany and won 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Round of 16. The ‘Albirroja’ players fought throughout the match and dared to play against one of the tournament’s powerhouses on equal footing. After 120 minutes, the South American side pulled off a major upset and achieved their first utopia.
Orlando Gill (9): although he had some responsibility for the German goal, the San Lorenzo goalkeeper showed solidity in aerial balls and had several key interventions with the score 1-1 to maintain the result. Then, a memorable performance in the penalty shootout: he saved Havertz’s first kick, extended the lead by stopping Woltemade, and stood tall at a decisive moment.
Juan José Cáceres (7): a very correct performance from the former Lanús player, who held off Florian Wirtz’s attacks on his flank and had the courage to take the ball and attack in the second half to give his teammates a breather.
Gustavo Gómez (6): the Palmeiras center-back did not have a great match and suffered at times from the German forwards’ runs.
José Canale (7): the ‘Granate’ defender battled against Kai Havertz and, although he managed to keep him at bay for much of the match, he lost the header duel that led to the German goal. In the final minutes, he had a couple of inaccuracies with the ball in buildup that could have led to dangerous chances. He was tasked with a historic penalty to secure Paraguay’s qualification.
Junior Alonso (6): he held on as best he could against Musiala, who was one of the main threats for the opponent towards the end of the match, and logically had less influence in attack.
Andrés Cubas (5): the former Boca player did not have his best afternoon but maintained the defensive structure of Paraguay’s midfield. He committed a dangerous foul near his own area that resulted in a yellow card.
Julio Enciso (7): a great match from the Racing Strasbourg forward, who scored a brilliant goal at the end of the first half to fuel the ‘Albirroja’s’ hopes. The native of Caaguazú, who scored his first goal in the competition, had to leave just before the first quarter of the second half due to injury.
Matías Galarza Fonda (8): another excellent performance from the River Plate midfielder, who confirmed the high level he has shown in this World Cup. He was very willing in marking, collaborated with his teammates in recovery, and dared to play with the ball at his feet. He also took his penalty, the third in the shootout.
Damián Bobadilla (6): he fought shoulder to shoulder with his teammates in midfield to contain Germany. Another who ended up physically affected, he left during extra time.
Miguel Almirón (6): the midfielder asked for the ball and always dared to take on German defenders, though without much success. Physically exhausted, he was replaced before the start of extra time.
Gabriel Ávalos (4): the Independiente forward barely managed to get in touch with the ball, although he offered resistance against two top-class center-backs like Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah. He left in the early minutes of the second half for Gustavo Caballero.
Gustavo Caballero (5): the Portsmouth player replaced Ávalos at the start of the second half and, like his teammate, suffered from being isolated in attack against the opposing defenders. The few interventions he had with the ball he failed to capitalize on, but he showed sacrifice in tracking back at the end of extra time.
Mauricio Magalhaes (7): a good entry from the midfielder who gave Paraguay some freshness and legs in the second half of the match. He was responsible for opening the scoring in the penalty shootout with a great shot.
Gustavo Velázquez (6): he played the last half hour of extra time and battled alongside his teammates to hold the result.
Antonio Sanabria (6): he missed his penalty, but served as a great reference in attack in the final minutes when Alfaro’s team was suffering while holding the result.
Braian Ojeda (6): he managed to replace Cáceres well on the right flank and contain Germany’s attacks on his side.
Fabián Balbuena (-): he came on at the end of the match. He had the fifth penalty to decide the shootout, but Neuer saved his shot.
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Para mí Alemania es una manga de cagones, no pudieron con la garra paraguaya. Gill es un héroe nacional, y Enciso un fenómeno. Esto huele a que los europeos se creen superiores pero acá les rompimos el orto. ¡Viva la patria carajo! Los alemanes lloran como putas, jajaja. Paraguay carajo!! 🇵🇾
para mi estos alemanes son unos chetos sobrevalorados q solo saben jugar al tiki taka aburrido y la albirroja los humillo orlando gill un fenomeno y enciso clavo el gol los europeos se creen superiores pero no pueden ni con paraguay vamos con todo a octavos q se cuiden