Foxborough: Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro has hailed his side’s “extraordinary” mentality after they stunned four-time world champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The South American side produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, edging past Germany 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw that swung repeatedly between control and chaos.

The victory has been widely celebrated in Paraguay as a defining moment in their modern football history, with Alfaro praising not just the result but the resilience and identity his team showed under pressure against one of world football’s most successful nations.

Alfaro praises mentality in historic upset

Speaking after the match, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro described the win as a reflection of his team’s character and discipline, especially in handling the physical and emotional demands of knockout football.

“This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us,” Alfaro said, dedicating the victory to supporters back home. “It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites.”

Paraguay took a surprise first-half lead through Julio Enciso, before Germany responded through Kai Havertz to level the contest. From there, the match turned into a tactical battle, with both sides struggling to find decisive moments in extra time.

Alfaro credited his players for sticking to the plan even when Germany began to dominate possession and territory.

“The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game,” he explained.

VAR drama and penalty shootout tension

The contest reached boiling point in extra time when Germany thought they had found a breakthrough through Jonathan Tah, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to rule the goal out. The decision shifted momentum once again, dragging the match into penalties where nerves ultimately decided the outcome.

Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks as Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat. Even with misses from Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena that could have ended the contest earlier, Paraguay held firm under pressure.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich later admitted his side had no excuses, insisting that elimination was a consequence of failing to perform across 120 minutes rather than refereeing decisions or luck.

For Paraguay, however, Alfaro felt even the suffering was part of their football identity.

“It seems if we don’t suffer, it doesn’t count,” he said with a wry smile, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the shootout that stretched into sudden death before finally ending in South American celebration.

A defining tactical victory over Germany

Beyond emotion, Alfaro also highlighted the tactical discipline that allowed Paraguay to neutralise Germany’s attacking rhythm. Facing a side known for structured build-up play and midfield dominance, Paraguay’s compact defensive shape forced Germany into wide areas and speculative chances rather than central penetrations.

The Paraguayan system relied heavily on quick transitions and controlled pressing triggers, especially in midfield congestion zones where Germany typically thrives. While possession statistics favoured the European side, Paraguay’s efficiency in key moments proved decisive.

Alfaro admitted conditions also played a role in shaping the game’s intensity.

“The temperature was high and the constant effort to recover and close down spaces often left us with less energy to attack,” he said, acknowledging the physical toll of a high-pressure knockout match in Massachusetts conditions.

Despite fatigue, Paraguay maintained structure deep into extra time, a factor that ultimately carried them through the shootout.

Germany’s shock exit and wider implications

The defeat marks a significant setback for Germany, who entered the tournament with expectations of at least a deep knockout run. Their elimination in the Round of 32 has intensified scrutiny on manager Julian Nagelsmann and the team’s inability to convert dominance into results in major tournaments.

For Paraguay, however, the victory signals a potential turning point. Often viewed as underdogs in global competitions, their disciplined performance against Germany has strengthened belief that they can challenge higher-ranked opponents on the biggest stage.

Alfaro was quick to stress that his team’s progress is built on unity rather than individual brilliance.

“This qualification is for all Paraguayans,” he repeated, underlining the collective spirit that carried them through one of the most demanding matches of the tournament.

Paraguay look ahead with growing belief

With a place in the Round of 16 secured, Paraguay now move forward with renewed confidence and growing international attention. While their next opponent remains uncertain, Alfaro’s side will carry momentum and belief earned through one of the most emotionally charged victories of the World Cup so far.

For Alfaro, the message remains simple: suffering is part of the journey, and Paraguay have embraced it better than most.