Paraguay declare national holiday after knocking out Germany
Paraguay declared a national holiday after its football team stunned four-time champions Germany in a dramatic World Cup knockout-stage victory.
President Santiago Pena announced Tuesday as a holiday, calling the win a historic achievement for the nation.
“In recognition of the historic victory of the Paraguayan national football team over Germany, an authorised national holiday is declared,” Pena said in a decree.
The celebration followed a tense match where goalkeeper Orlando Gill became Paraguay’s hero by outdueling German legend Manuel Neuer in the penalty shootout.
This was also Germany’s first defeat in a penalty shootout in a World Cup, as they had earlier won in all four of their previous shootouts.
Gill, making his first World Cup appearance, saved two penalties as Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw through extra time.
“I still can’t believe it,” Gill said after the match. “It showed that you shouldn’t speak too soon. This proves that Paraguay is capable of achieving great things.”
The 26-year-old goalkeeper had already impressed during the group stage, keeping clean sheets against Turkiye and Australia to help Paraguay reach the knockout rounds.
Against Germany, however, he faced a much tougher challenge as the Europeans dominated possession and created more chances.
Germany controlled the ball for more than twice as long as Paraguay and registered 21 attempts on goal compared to Paraguay’s seven.
Gill admitted the match felt overwhelming, saying German attackers seemed to appear everywhere throughout the contest.
He also praised Neuer, who was appearing at his fifth World Cup after winning the 2014 title with Germany.
“Neuer is a world-class goalkeeper. I have nothing but respect for an idol like him,” Gill said.
In the shootout, Gill denied Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, giving Paraguay the advantage before Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty.
Paraguay will now face France or Sweden in the next round on Saturday in Philadelphia, carrying the confidence of one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.