Paraguay Declares Holiday After Historic Win Over Germany

Paraguay declared a national holiday to celebrate their win four-time champions Germany too advance to World Cup's Round of 16.

President Santiago Pena announced the holiday shortly after they beat Germany in the Round of 32 on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 after extra time.

Pena praised the players for delivering a victory that united the nation and marked one of the greatest moments in Paraguayan football history.

"Today, Paraguay celebrates not just a football victory but the courage, determination and unity shown by our national team. This achievement belongs to every Paraguayan," he said in a statement.

Thousands of fans thronged the streets of capital Asuncion and other cities, waving Paraguayan flags, singing patriotic songs and celebrating late into the night as fireworks lit up the capital.

Paraguay's players celebrated with supporters after the match, with captain Gustavo Gómez describing the result as a defining moment for the country's football.

"We believed in ourselves from the first minute. This is a victory for every Paraguayan who has supported us through good times and bad. We have made history, but we don't want to stop here," Gomez said.