01 July,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Ada Khan
Paraguay’s Julio Enciso celebrates his goal against Germany in Boston on Monday; (right) Joshua Kimmich. Pics/AFP
Paraguay, a small South American country with a population of just seven million, shocked four-time champions Germany 4-3 via tie-breaker on Monday to storm into the World Cup round of 16 for the first time ever. And the man who started this surge against the Germans, striker Julio Enciso, 22, couldn't control his emotions after the final whistle. Holding back tears, Enciso dedicated the win to his late grandfather. "My thoughts today immediately went to my grandfather. I used to watch Paraguay playing matches sitting next to him. I sent a kiss to the sky. I'm sure he's proud of me. This is the best day of my life. This day is God's gift," said Enciso, whose 42nd minute strike was his country's first ever goal in FIFA World Cup knockouts before German striker Kai Havertz (54th min) levelled the scores. The match was decided by sudden death (see shootout box).
Paraguay had a disastrous start to the World Cup, losing 4-1 to co-hosts USA. They beat Turkey 1-0 next, but saw midfielder Miguel Almiron become the first player in World Cup history to be sent off for covering his mouth under FIFA's new anti-abuse rule. This led to the revocation of the FIFA accreditation of a Paraguay commentator, who criticised this decision on air. Paraguay sneaked through to the round of 32 as the seventh-best team out of eight after managing a draw in their last league match against Australia.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who pulled off numerous saves across their 120-minute tussle with the Germans and followed it up with two fine blocks in the shootout, said he had "analysed every Germany penalty-taker with great detail, and it worked."
German skipper Joshua Kimmich was utterly dejected. "It feels awful. We didn't play well against any of our opponents. If you cannot manage to win over 120 minutes, then you deserve to be eliminated," he added.
Meanwhile, Paraguay's fans erupted in wild celebration here, thumping their chests and chanting âVamos' (let's go in Spanish) throughout.
"I don't know how to express my feelings. I have no words. I came here with my son and my brother's family, and what a treat this has been. We are all part of history," said Paraguayan supporter Terry Blanko, a financial planner, who works in New Jersey.
"My heart is fluttering. What an experience this has been with that dramatic tie-breaker. It's unbelievable," said New York-based Cesar Podon, after watching his first-ever World Cup game at a stadium.
Paraguay became the second South American team to beat Germany, following Ecuador's win in the group stage. "People back home in Ecuador are out on the streets celebrating this historic moment," said Ecuador fan Valencia Domingo, who was rooting for Paraguay.
Paraguay President Santiago Pena later celebrated the win by declaring Tuesday as a national holiday.
