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In a World Cup match of physicality and unimaginable difficulty, Paraguay have produced surprises over the years.
South American youth Germany drew 1-1 after extra time, then eliminated the national champions four times on penalties on Monday.
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The result may be the most disappointing in the history of the World Cup, because it came down to the group stage.
Al Jazeera Sport looks at what the result means for the two countries.
Is this the biggest disappointment for Paraguay at the World Cup?
At the 1998 World Cup, Paraguay were held to a 0-0 draw in the last 16 meeting with hosts France with hopes of a goal from striker Jose Luis Chilavert, but Laurent Blanc’s 114th minute golden goal spoiled the situation.
Twenty-eight years later, Paraguay left behind what Chilavert’s generation could not.
Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved efforts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah shot over the bar, and the way was set for Jose Canale to blast home the final shot.
It was the first time Germany had won a penalty shootout at the World Cup.
A history of heroes from Paraguay’s Gill
Gill has a reputation of his own as a penalty killer. He made two saves for his club team, San Lorenzo, in a shootout against River Plate in Argentina’s Apertura in May, although San Lorenzo lost.
Last year, in the quarterfinal against Argentinos Juniors, he missed a save on another shot.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Gill said Monday after helping the juniors go 5-1 to advance to the round of 16. “It was a tough game. We were attacked from all angles, but we resisted.”
“It showed that you shouldn’t talk too soon,” he said as he left the arena while some of his teammates were crying with joy.
This proves that Paraguay is capable of great things.
Asked about his two saves in the shootout, he said: “We had to analyze every player, everything.”
“Now, I have a cool head, I will sit down and analyze what we have achieved.” We managed to hold out for 120 minutes, and luck was on our side during the shootout.
Gill’s next game will be Saturday in Philadelphia against either France or Sweden.
Paraguay coach Alfaro shows faith in his defenders
As well as Gill’s heroics, Paraguay’s unlikely victory was based on coach Gustavo Alfaro’s unwavering faith in his defenders.
He was criticized for his tactics in the group stage, while Paraguay they lost their first game 4-1 to tie the United States to just two goals in the three games, Alfaro doubled back on his backline bet against Germany.
“Today is a game we should have been in Paraguay more than ever,” captain Gustavo Gomez said.
“I think deep down, Germany knew that if they wanted to beat us, they would have to sweat, because we would beat them a lot.”
The spirit of Paraguay takes them to the last 16 of the World Cup
That spirit was expressed in a 1-0 the team won against Turkeywhile Paraguay were reduced to 10 men near the end and their opponents had 32 attempts on goal.
On Monday, Germany scored 75 percent with 21 shots against Paraguay’s seven. But behind the numbers, Paraguay’s performance represented a defensive team.
Paraguay is always one step ahead of Germany
The South Americans anticipated almost every German move and reduced them to a few minutes of danger, even without solid center half Omar Alderrete, who was injured.
Almost against the run of play, Julio Enciso – Paraguay’s most creative player to date – opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when he collided with Matias Galarza.
Havertz pulled Germany level nine minutes into the second half with a header from Florian Wirtz’s cross.
The Europeans continued to struggle to penetrate Paraguay’s defenses. They thought they would have won the game in extra time when Tah headed in a corner, but the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled a foul on Gill.
Alfaro was redeemed after returning to Paraguay
The victory will be particularly sweet for 63-year-old coach Alfaro, whose critics on television have included Chilavert himself, who wants a more attacking form.
Alfaro will now need to prepare his defense for the last 16 against France – led by free goals. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele – who are expected to beat Sweden in their first knockout match on Tuesday.
Nagelsmann in hot water after exiting the World Cup
In contrast, Alfaro’s opposite number on Monday, Julian Nagelsmann, may struggle to keep his job after Germany suffered a third successive defeat at the World Cup.
Nagelsmann lamented the decision to deny Tah’s effort in extra time and said he wanted to continue the job.
“You talk about expectations: It’s 11 or 12 years, and we’ve failed,” said the 38-year-old. “It’s not enough for German football.”
Nagelsmann is under contract until the 2028 European Championship, but Germany’s early exit from the World Cup will put the 38-year-old under intense scrutiny.
“I’m not a fugitive,” he told German journalist ZDF.
“I want to continue, but in football you don’t always have it in your hands.
“If the DFB (German Football Association) wants me to do it, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League.”
Midfielder Nadiem Amiri said Germany still had a bright future, but admitted the pain of defeat made it difficult to look away.
Several German players may not be present at the next World Cup in 2030, but Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz should have won by then.
Highly regarded youngster Lennart Karl returns to the team, having missed the tournament due to injury.
“We have a lot of young, very good players in the team,” said Amiri, who went deep and scored his penalties in the shootout.
But right now, thinking about the future is a mistake, and I feel sorry for everyone.
