Berlin [Germany], July 1: Orlando Gill said he had analysed every detail of Germany's penalty takers before becoming Paraguay's World Cup hero in a dramatic shoot-out win.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper denied Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade from the spot before Jonathan Tah sent his effort high over the bar.
Asked whether his shoot-out heroics were down to instinct or careful preparation, Gill told Paraguayan newspaper ABC: "I analysed every player, every aspect, every detail, and thank God I was able to save two penalties, which was decisive for qualification."
Gill had kept Paraguay in the game with saves from Havertz and Woltemade during regular time and extra time. "It was really like a horror movie - the Germans just kept appearing everywhere," Gill said.
"I can still hardly believe what we managed to do. Honestly, there are no words for this moment. There are so many emotions." As thousands of fans celebrated the surprise win over the four-time world champions in the streets of Paraguay, Gill also sent an emotional message back home.
The player of the match said he had dedicated the award to his nephew, who is seriously ill in hospital.
"This special award is for my nephew, who is seriously ill in hospital. We hope he gets better soon, and I promised him that this award would be dedicated to him if I was chosen as player of the match," Gill said, without giving details of the illness.
Paraguay hero Enciso in tears after win: 'Best day of my life'
The greatest moment of his football career so far also turned out to be one of the most emotional moments of his life.
Julio Enciso scored the goal that paved Paraguay's path to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Instead jumping into wild celebrations, the midfielder burst into tears after the final whistle. "It's the best day of my life. I dedicate this victory to my grandpa up there in heaven. I thought of him right away. The fact that we advanced is a gift from God and from him," Enciso said with a trembling voice.
Enciso's grandfather died in 2023, just as the forward was wrapping up his successful debut season in the Premier League with Brighton.
The player, now at France's RC Strasbourg, has repeatedly spoken about how his grandfather used to tell him, even as a child, that he would one day play in a World Cup.
Now, alongside goalkeeper Orlando Gill, he has emerged as the hero of a World Cup night.
"I still remember clearly how he pointed at me and told me that one day I would be standing here. I'm sure he's proud of me," he said.
The sensational victory against Germany has bolstered the South Americans' belief in more miracles.
"We're not afraid of anyone. The effort we showed today was superhuman," Enciso said.
In the last 16, Paraguay will face either top favourite France or Sweden.
Source: Qatar Tribune
