Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side’s World Cup victory on penalties on Monday stemmed from the country’s tradition as a defensive force to be reckoned with.
The Argentine coach was criticized after Paraguay lost their opening match 4-1 to the United States, scoring just one goal in the other two group games.
However, Paraguay squeezed into the knockout rounds and then stunned Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams were level 1-1 after 120 minutes, handing the four-time champions their first-ever World Cup shootout defeat.
“I told the players that we had an epic evening,” Alfaro told reporters after his side secured a place in the round of 16. “Resisting is etched into our identity.”
Paraguay opened the scoring against the set-piece in the 42nd minute with a Julio Enciso header before Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute.
The South Americans then dug in, survived a disallowed German goal and hung on for penalties.
Jose Canale scored the winning kick, but only after two of his teammates failed to convert theirs.
MATCH REPORT | Paraguay knocks Germany out of the World Cup
“It was a very tough match,” Alfaro said. “We knew it would be a moment of adversity, but instead of focusing on the differences, we wanted to come and compete.
“As is always the case with us, we do not do things without suffering.”
Paraguay will face France or Sweden in the round of 16 on July 4.
Published on June 30, 2026
