The Paraguayan government has declared a national holiday after the Paraguay national football team caused a major surprise by defeating Germany in a World Cup round of 32 penalty shootout, advancing to the round of 16 amid celebrations across the country.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña announced Tuesday, 30 June, as a special public holiday to allow the entire nation to celebrate this historic achievement after the national team pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating four-time former world champions Germany in the round of 32.
Paraguay, which advanced to the knockout stage narrowly as one of the best third-placed teams, took the lead in the first half with a header from Julio Enciso. Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the second half. During extra time, Germany nearly scored a winning goal from a Jonathan Tah header, but it was disallowed after a VAR review amid intense controversy.
After 120 minutes ended 1-1, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Paraguay missed two chances to close the game before José Canale scored the winning penalty past German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, securing a 4-3 shootout victory and marking Germany's first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
Following the match, Paraguay's leader posted on platform X with a photo signing the holiday declaration, stating, "Paraguay never gives up! Public holiday! Today, the entire nation celebrates the victory of a team that embodies our true spirit — courage, faith, and the power of those who never surrender."
The announcement also emphasized that this victory transcends sports, and the government cannot remain indifferent to such a significant achievement. It is necessary to facilitate all Paraguayans coming together to celebrate this historic day.
Under Paraguayan law, the executive branch may declare up to three additional public holidays per year. Previously, President Peña declared a holiday last September after Paraguay qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Paraguay is the second South American country to declare a holiday celebrating a victory over Germany in this tournament, following Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who declared a holiday last week after Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in Group E.
Next, Paraguay will travel to Philadelphia to play in the round of 16 on 4 July, awaiting the winner between France and Sweden.
. REUTERS