SOCCER: Paraguay's players are now legends after shootout win over Germany, coach says

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro hailed his players as "legends" after they knocked out Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday.

"We never believe that we are beaten," Alfaro told reporters after the victory. "Twenty-six warriors went out there and they came back as legends."

The Argentine coach had faced criticism after Paraguay opened its campaign with a 4-1 loss to co-host the United States and scored only one goal in its next two group-stage matches.

Despite the slow start, Paraguay advanced to the knockout stage and pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating four-time champion Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the teams were tied 1-1 following extra time. The loss marked Germany's first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.

Alfaro said the team's opening loss helped prepare his players for the historic victory.

"If we had not learned from the loss, we would not have been prepared for this match," he said. "I told the players that we have lived through an epic evening."

Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute through a header from Julio Enciso before Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 54th minute.

The South Americans held firm for the remainder of regulation and extra time, surviving a disallowed German goal before prevailing in the shootout.

Jose Canale converted the winning penalty after two Paraguay players had earlier missed their attempts.

"As things always are with us, we don't do things without suffering," Alfaro said.

He also praised Canale, whose professional career has included loan spells with clubs in Paraguay, Argentina, and Mexico.

"Canale is one of life's champions because he has had to go through a lot of adversity," Alfaro said. "A night like this is one of the gifts that life can give you. It's divine justice."

Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 on July 4. -Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Christian Radnedge/Reuters