Gustavo Alfaro, Head Coach of Paraguay, embraces Gustavo Velazquez #2 after the penalty shootout win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by ROBERT CIANFLONE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
DOHA: Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro hailed his players as “legends” after they produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to book a place in the quarter-finals.
After battling to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, Paraguay held their nerve to claim a 4-3 victory on penalties, ending Germany’s long unbeaten run in World Cup shootouts and completing a remarkable turnaround for a side that had faced heavy criticism following its opening defeat to the United States.
Manuel Neuer #1 of Germany reacts after the penalty shootout loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images/AFP
An emotional Alfaro praised his squad’s resilience and determination, insisting they had earned their place in Paraguayan football history.
“We never believe that we are beaten. Twenty-six warriors went out there and they came back as legends.”
The Argentine coach reflected on the significance of the achievement after Paraguay entered the tournament as underdogs.
“I told the players that we have lived through an epic evening. To resist is etched into our identity.”
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised nine minutes after halftime to force Germany back into the contest.
Germany thought they had found a winner in extra time through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, sending the tie to penalties.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill then produced another composed display before Paraguay converted four of their spot-kicks, with Jose Canale scoring the decisive penalty.
“For Orlando, I am happy, because he went through difficult moments after the 4-1 (against America) and all the doubts,” Alfaro said. “I really trust him. He is a goalkeeper who, one game after another, becomes more solid.”
For Germany, the defeat marked the end of an era as captain Manuel Neuer made his final appearance for the national team. Before the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper had already confirmed the World Cup would be his last, saying, “For me it is clear that this is my last tournament.”
Following the heartbreaking defeat, Neuer confirmed his international career had come to an end.
“Yes,” he said when asked if it had been his final match for Germany.
“No. It’s very bitter to end it like this.”
The 40-year-old retires as a World Cup winner in 2014, having represented Germany at five World Cups and cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side simply failed to do enough despite dominating large spells of the match.
“The mood in the dressing room is very low. Everyone is disappointed that we have been eliminated,” he said.
“Paraguay took the lead with one action, and we needed too long to get into the game. Our build-up play was too slow.”
Nagelsmann also criticised the decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal but accepted responsibility for the defeat.
“It’s a joke that our goal was disallowed, but in the end we also have to say that what we produced was simply not enough.”
Despite another painful World Cup exit, the Germany coach made it clear he wants to remain in charge.
“I am not someone who runs away. If the DFB wants me to continue, I would love to continue.”
While Germany departs facing more difficult questions after another early elimination, Paraguay marches into the quarter-finals with belief, having produced one of the greatest victories in the nation's football history.
