THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill bests German ‘idol’ Manuel Neuer in World Cup shootout stunner <p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. &#8212; Orlando Gill knew Paraguay was a big underdog against Germany in their World Cup knockout-round opener.</p>

How Germany were handed a World Cup humbling and what it means to Paraguay As well as Gill&#039;s heroics, Paraguay&#039;s unlikely victory was founded on coach Alfaro&#039;s unshakeable faith in his defenders.

Paraguay declares national holiday after beating Germany Orlando Gill knewParaguaywas a big underdog againstGermanyin their World Cup knockout-round opener. Heck, he was even a little starstruck himself. But the 26-year-old goalkeeper, appearing in his first World Cup, bested German greatManuel Neuerin a penalty shootout to help La Albirroja send the four-time World Cup champions home -- and earn the people of his native Paraguay a national holiday on Tuesday. "It showed that you shouldn't speak too soon," Gill said after helping the 5-to-1 underdogs advance to the Round of 16. "This proves that Paraguay is capable of achieving great things. The opportunity was bound to come sooner or later." The 6-foot-6 Gill, who plays for Argentine club San Lorenzo, helped Paraguay reach the knockout round with clean sheets in a 1-0 group victory overTürkiyeand a 0-0 draw withAustralia. But Gill, who also gave up four goals to theUnited Statesin the group stage, would need to be even better against the powerful Germans, who possessed the ball more than twice as long as Paraguay and attempted 21 shots on goal to Paraguay's seven. "It was like a horror movie. Germans were popping up everywhe…

Paraguay coach salutes 'extraordinary' World Cup win over Germany - RTL Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an "extraordinary" performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time. However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw. "I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone," said Alfaro. "It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites." Alfaro said his team executed the game plan effectively, limiting Germany's ability to impose their style. "The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game," he said. He acknowledged the physical toll of the contest, pointing to the demanding condit…

Paraguay coach salutes ‘extraordinary’ World Cup win over Germany Paraguay produced arguably the greatest World Cup upset as Germany was defeated 4-3 on penalties in the last 32.

Paraguay head coach describes penalty shootout win as 'extraordinary ... Paraguay head coach describes penalty shootout win as 'extraordinary' AFP Updated Gustavo Alfaro MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an "extraordinary" performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time. However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw. " I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone, " said Alfaro . " It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites. " Alfaro said his team executed the game plan effectively, limiting Germany's ability to impose their style. " The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding space…

Paraguay declares national holiday after beating Germany - Sports News ... Paraguay declared a national holiday on Tuesday after the country’s football team produced one of the biggest upsets of theFIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four-time championsGermanyin a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the Round of 16. President Santiago Pena announced the holiday through an official decree, describing it as recognition of Paraguay’s historic victory. “In recognition of the historic victory of the Paraguayan national football team over Germany, an authorised national holiday is declared for June 30,” the decree said. The celebrations followed a memorable night in Boston, where Paraguay held Germany to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes before prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, producing two saves during the shootout to outduel Germany captain Manuel Neuer and send the South American side into the last 16. “It showed that you shouldn’t speak too soon,” Gill said after the match. “This proves that Paraguay is capable of achieving great things. The opportunity was bound to come sooner or later.” The 26-year-old, playing in his first World Cup…

ultrasurfing.com/news/sports/paraguay-coach-salutes-extraordinary-world ... Jun 30 2026 Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro led his team to just the country's second win in a World Cup knockout match Foxborough (United States) (AFP) - Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an “extraordinary” performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time. However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw. “I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone,” said Alfaro. “It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites.” Alfaro said his team executed the game plan effectively, limiting Germany’s ability to impose their style. “The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effo…