Germany and Paraguay set for fiery World Cup reunion after 24 years
Photo: STAR
Four-time world champions Germany face Paraguay in the round of 32 in Foxborough. Paraguay being the resilient underdogs are making their first knockout appearance since the 2010 World Cup.
This will mark their third senior meeting between the sides, and the first in a World Cup since that tense night in 2002.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. A trip down the memory lane to 15 June 2002 in Jeju, South Korea. Paraguay hustled through a tough group featuring teams like Spain, South Africa, and Slovenia clinching on goal difference.
On the flip side of the coin Germany marched with typical efficiency. The Round of 16 encounter was a masterclass in frustration: a cagey, attritional battle that showcased Paraguay’s legendary defensive grit.
The scoreline remained 0-0 for 87 minutes. Paraguay’s backline consisting of goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert and defenders like Carlos Gamarra, Celso Ayala, and Carlos Bonet formed an iron wall, repelling wave after wave of German attacks. German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was rarely tested at the other end.
The game looked destined for extra time until, in the 88th minute, substitute Oliver Neuville pounced on a loose ball and rifled it home. With this being the only goal of the match it sent Germany through to the quarter-finals and they later reached the finals of the tournament.
Paraguay exited the World Cup with heads held high, their disciplined performance earning global respect. For them reaching the last 16 was a landmark and for Germany, it was simply another step toward silverware. The narrow defeat still stings in Paraguayan football lore, a near-miss against one of Europe’s giants on the biggest stage.
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