Analysis: Paraguay’s resilience delivers shock of the World Cup so far | OneFootball

Paraguay showed exactly how and why they could reach the round of 16 as their resilient performance sent Germany out of the World Cup early on for a third tournament in a row.

They played much like they had in the group stages, operating with a low block which earned them two clean sheets in their last two games – wanting to hit Germany on the break and take any chance that presented itself to them.

The 2014 winners were far too lethargic going forward – a stark contrast to their opponents breaking away with purpose at every chance to counter – and were punished for some awful defending that gifted Enciso a free header to open the scoring.

Kai Havertz responded with a glancing header past Orlando Gill, his third goal of the tournament, before Jonathan Tah’s powerful header in extra time was ruled out when VAR judged Waldemar Anton to have impeded the goalkeeper.

Having put in a phenomenal performance at the back, José Canale blasted his penalty home to send Germany crashing out with their first ever defeat in a World Cup shootout and, by FIFA’s rankings, cause the third-biggest upset in the tournament’s history.

They frustrated the Germans throughout the first half and for large periods of the second. Every ball that came into the box was headed clear and every second ball was fiercely contested.

La Albirroja slowed the game winning fouls deep inside their own half and slowing any German momentum. Miguel Almiron was doing this expertly and not only was he winning fouls, but he was breaking the German press and allowing Paraguay to progress forward.

In moments where Paraguay could press or Almiron broke the lines, they were quick and direct and showed that they could hurt Germany.

Julio Enciso’s goal encapsulated the Paraguayan game plan perfectly, as he caught Die Mannschaft napping after a delightful cross from Almiron.

Paraguay had to be perfect to hold the Germans out and in the one moment they did switch off they were punished and Havertz equalised for Germany. The main issue with playing a low block is the pressure invited onto yourselves and eventually something has to give.

Apart from this error and the VAR decision going their way, Gustavo Alfaro’s game plan was executed flawlessly for 120 minutes.

They kept German chances to a minimum and gave as good as they got, in particular José Canales making block after block before his penalty sent Germany out.

They continued to frustrate the Germans throughout and even as the game went on and they became more tired they did not let up in their defensive performance. Paraguay just kept going and this wore the Germans down.

Paraguay do not play the most attractive football, they’ll be the first to tell you that. But they can frustrate and thrive on playing with their backs against the wall.

They will likely play France next, if France can beat Sweden first, and they must repeat their heroics against an even more dangerous side if they are serious about going any deeper into the tournament.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.

Germany – Paraguay Live Score