A moment 16 years in the making. Monday afternoon's match was one will go down in Paraguayan history, an epic that will long outlast any of the men who put it together. Atlanta United's own Miguel Almirón played his part por la patria, and Paraguay pulled off a thrilling upset.
Miggy and La Albirroja buckled down and outlasted Germany in a 4-3 penalty shootout win after drawing 1-1 through extra time. Almirón got the hockey assist in Julio Enciso's opening goal in the 42nd minute, a daft pass across his body to set up Matías Galarza for the assist.
Germany's equalizing goal in the second sent the game into a frenzy of tough tackles, and the intensity continued all throughout extra time. Jonathan Tah thought he had the winner in the first period of extra time, but the Video Assistant Referee initiated a check for a foul on Paraguay's goalkeeper. The head official called the goal back, and Paraguay battened down the hatches to send the match to penalty kicks.
Almirón was subbed off at the beginning of extra time, and so he and the rest of the Paraguay squad watched on, along with millions of fans back in Asunción. Paraguayan keeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, and José Canale dispatched the winning penalty.
Miggy and his squad will await the winner of France vs. Sweden, likely another tough fixture in the Round of 16. For tonight, though, celebrations will be in order, as the South American side win their first Knockout match in the World Cup since their last qualification in 2010.
