Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday after the country’s football team produced one of its best results FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four German players to reserve a place in the Round of 16.In a night already established in Paraguay, the South American team braved to win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their match of 32. The result marked Germany’s first exit from the World Cup through a penalty shoot-out, adding weight to an extraordinary competition characterized by tension, conflict and high drama.Peña reacted immediately on the X channel, showing the excitement that spread across the country.“PARAGUAY SALAMA! he wrote in Spanish: “¡PARAGUAY NUNCA SE RINDE! ¡¡FERIADO CARAJO!!”The announcement of the national holiday was made recently, emphasizing the magnitude of Paraguay’s victory against one of the most famous football centers in the world.
The controversy over VAR and the penalty shootout marries history
The match itself was full of twists and turns that swung over and over again. Germany believed they had sealed victory in extra time when Jonathan Tah fired in a corner kick in the 101st minute. However, the celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal a foul in the set-up, a decision that was upheld by sending the game to penalties.Paraguay took advantage of the opportunity, settling for a shot that Germany missed three times. Deciding time came as Paraguay converted their last-gasp try to seal a 4-3 victory and spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.The win also drew attention from across the continent. Chilean President José Antonio Kast praised Paraguay on television, highlighting the importance of another South American country on the move.“We arrived in Asunción and had the opportunity to watch a psychological penalty between Germany and Paraguay. A great victory that puts another Latin American team in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Thank you very much, Paraguay! “… he wrote.
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament
Paraguay’s victory is one of the most difficult in modern World Cup history. Coming in at 41st place in the FIFA World Cup compared to Germany’s 10th, the difference of 31 places adds weight to the previous results.Since 1994, fewer defeats have marked the biggest difference, placing Paraguay’s success alongside some of football’s most dangerous.
