Argentine football did it: San Lorenzo and Lanús shocked Paraguay | OneFootball

Paraguay’s national team wrote a golden page in World Cup history by eliminating Germany in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. After a fierce battle and a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, the tie was decided from the penalty spot at Gillette Stadium. With a monumental performance from goalkeeper Orlando Gill and the composure of José Canale, Gustavo Alfaro’s side prevailed 4-3 to book a place in the next round, where France or Sweden await.

The heart-stopping shootout, step by step

The shootout began in the best possible way for La Albirroja. Orlando Gill showed from the very first second that it would be his night by saving Kai Havertz’s opening attempt with a firm dive to his left post. Right after that, Mauricio Magalhaes put Paraguay ahead, forcing the Europeans to play from behind. The efficiency continued with converted spot kicks from Gustavo Gómez and Matías Galarza Fonda for the South Americans, while Jamal Musiala pulled one back for the Germans. On Germany’s fourth penalty, Gill once again dressed as the hero by stopping Nick Woltemade’s shot, repeating the formula to his left post and leaving Paraguay just one step away from qualification.

However, the ending brought a heavy dose of drama. Antonio Sanabria sent his shot wide, and Nadiem Amiri took advantage of Germany’s extra life by beating Gill. The tension reached its peak when Fabián Balbuena struck down the middle, allowing Manuel Neuer to read the intention and save the effort. With the shootout tied at three, German defender Jonathan Tah felt the pressure and sent his shot over the crossbar. Glory was left at the feet of José Canale, who with a powerful high strike gave Neuer no chance and unleashed Paraguayan madness in Boston.

The hero’s words and a historic stat for Germany

“An immense emotion, it was a very difficult match. It was said from the very beginning that they were going to attack us from every side, and we knew how to withstand them and open the scoring. They found the equalizer, but we knew how to hold on and win it on penalties,” Gill said after sealing passage to the round of 16. The San Lorenzo goalkeeper gave details of his preparation: “You have to analyze each player, every detail, and thank God I was able to save two penalties — it was crucial for qualification. It’s a privilege, we eliminated a champion. It’s dedicated to all the Paraguayan people, and especially to a nephew who is going through a difficult time and is hospitalized.”

The value of Paraguay’s victory grows even more when looking at the statistics. This elimination marked Germany’s first-ever defeat on penalties in World Cup history. In fact, Die Mannschaft had not lost by this route in an official competition since the Euro 1976 final against Czechoslovakia, ending a streak of invincibility in shootouts that had seemed eternal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.