Orlando Gill, Paraguay’s penalty hero who knocked out Germany | OneFootball

Orlando Gill saved two penalties as Paraguay knocked out Germany in the round of 32, and he could face France next. According to L'Équipe, after a 1-1 draw he stopped Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade in a 4-3 shootout win.

The 1.99m goalkeeper appeared in the mixed zone with the Paraguayan flag around his neck. He had earned the moment after a standout display.

Gill had already kept Germany at bay across 120 minutes, including a fine save from a Havertz header on 78 minutes. He likened the onslaught to a horror film, said fortune smiled on Paraguay and thanked supporters.

The mood was very different after the opening 4-1 loss to the United States, when he conceded four goals from six shots on target. José Luis Chilavert questioned his on-field communication and criticised the uncertainty over the No 1, arguing that such doubt creates emotional instability.

This was essentially his competitive debut, after a first cap in the final qualifier against Peru. He then featured in four friendlies and a half of this month’s lone warm-up, a 4-0 win over Nicaragua, while Gustavo Alfaro weighed him against 38-year-old Roberto Fernandez.

Gill, who plays for San Lorenzo, the Argentinian club favoured by the late Pope Francis, hails from San Lorenzo in Paraguay. He said goalkeeping is about waiting for the chance, that persistence is now paying off.

Source: L'Équipe