Before Paraguay’s Exit, the Fans Believed in their Potential

When the German World Cup team lost to Paraguay in penalty kicks on June 29, shocked spread quickly through the soccer universe.

How was it possible that this European powerhouse who has won the World Cup four times (2014, 1990, 1974, and 1954) is defeated by a South American team that, while qualifying nine times, had never held the FIFA World Cup Trophy?

Just before this match, the “Albirrojos,” as they are called, had already tied with Australia (June 25) and defeated Turkey on June 19 in Santa Clara, California. The U.S. national team defeated Paraguay in its first game on the 12th of that month.

Unfortunately, Paraguay’s eventual defeat to two-time World Cup champions France (0-1) on July 4 was marred further. Not by the bad act of any player; but due to the racists remarks made by Celeste Amarilla, a member of the senate in Paraguay, on X/Twitter about French striker Kylian Mbappé.

The Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations on July 6 repudiated Amarilla’s comments stating her words “are contrary to the values and principles that underpin peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.”

Rewind back a few weeks however, and the Paraguay team and their fans had been experiencing a fun and not controversial World Cup.

Noticiero Móvil visited the “Casa Albirroja” at the Hilton Santa Clara on June 18, across the way from Levi’s Stadium, to chat with fans before the match with Turkey. Listen to what they had to say:

Written by Noticiero Móvil staff; video and photos by Misha Fajayan; interviews by Madeleine Gomes; and graphics by Isaac Martínez