Every FIFA World Cup produces a memorable tale beyond the trophy. In the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, that tale centered on Paraguay.
Under the leadership of goalkeeper Orlando Gill, the team faced four-time champions Germany for 120 minutes. They drew 1-1 before winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout, marking the nation’s most significant football achievement.
Jonathan Tah sent Germany’s sixth penalty over the bar. Jose Canale then scored the winning kick, advancing Paraguay to the round of 16 and ending Germany’s campaign. For Paraguay, the result represented lasting national pride.
Few anticipated the goalkeepers would decide the outcome. Manuel Neuer, a World Cup winner, stood opposite 25-year-old Gill. Gill made six saves in 120 minutes, controlled his area, and denied several German efforts. In the shootout, he stopped penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Neuer saved one Paraguayan attempt, but Tah’s miss allowed Canale to seal the win. It was Germany’s first World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
Germany appeared to score in the 102nd minute through Tah, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul on Gill. The decision preserved the tie and boosted Paraguay. Germany maintained possession in extra time yet could not bypass Gill.
Forward Julio Enciso had given Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute with a header. Despite an earlier injury, he played until substituted early in the second half. Gill and the defense protected that advantage through the remainder of the match.
