How Germany were handed a World Cup humbling and what it means to Paraguay
Al Jazeera • • sports
Key Points:
- Paraguay achieved a historic upset by eliminating four-time World Cup champions Germany in the round of 16, holding them to a 1-1 draw before winning on penalties, marking Germany's first-ever World Cup shootout loss.
- Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was pivotal, saving multiple penalties in the shootout and demonstrating a strong track record of crucial saves in high-pressure matches.
- Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro maintained faith in a defensive strategy despite earlier criticism, which paid off as the team successfully contained Germany’s dominant possession and numerous shots.
- Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann faces intense scrutiny after the early exit, with uncertainty about his future despite his expressed desire to continue leading the team.
- Paraguay will next face France or Sweden in the round of 16, while Germany must regroup and plan for future tournaments amid a period of transition with several key players aging out.
