Gill’s remarkable journey to the World Cup stage
Orlando Gill, the Paraguay goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in his country’s progression at the World Cup, becoming a penalty shootout hero against Germany. The 6ft 6in stopper made two crucial saves during the shootout, securing Paraguay’s second knockout victory in their World Cup history.
Gill’s journey to this point has been notable. Despite being considered one of the tournament’s top goalkeepers, he had only made three senior club appearances before January 2025. Less than four years ago, he resorted to selling his football kit to support his family after his son was born prematurely.
He previously played for youth teams at Club 13 de Junio and CS San Lorenzo in Paraguay and was part of the national squad for the South American Under-20 Championship in 2019. His senior debut for San Lorenzo came in September 2020, but he had only registered two appearances when his wife, Melissa Avalos, became pregnant in 2022.
Complications during Melissa’s pregnancy led to an early hospitalisation and induced labour in December. Their son, Lautaro, was born after serious complications, requiring Melissa to undergo emergency surgery and Lautaro to receive intensive care. Melissa shared on Instagram that the family “had nothing” and Gill sold his belongings, including his U20 national team jersey, to cover expenses.
Breakthrough in Argentina and international debut
Approximately a year after his son’s birth, and with only two first-team games under his belt, Gill was given a significant opportunity. San Lorenzo, an Argentine top-flight club, signed him on loan. He spent the end of 2024 playing in their reserves before becoming a first-team regular in 2025, which drew the attention of Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro.
After receiving call-ups in March and June, Gill made his senior international debut in Paraguay’s final qualifier against Peru last September, following the team’s qualification for the World Cup. He then featured in five friendly matches, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament.
Paraguay’s World Cup campaign began with a 4-1 defeat against co-hosts the United States. However, Gill has since conceded only one goal in three subsequent games, including extra-time against Germany, saving 16 of the 17 shots on target.
In the last-32 tie, Gill was awarded the Fifa player of the match award for his performance, which included two crucial saves in the penalty shootout. He dedicated the award to his family, particularly his nephew Alexander, who is currently in hospital.
Germany’s exit and Nagelsmann’s future
Germany exited the World Cup at the Round of 32 stage after their defeat to Paraguay on penalties. The match, played in Boston, ended in a 1-1 draw after both normal and extra-time. Julio Enciso’s header gave Paraguay the lead just before half-time.
Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz’s delivery allowed Kai Havertz to score with a header. In extra-time, a goal by Jonathan Tah from a corner was disallowed by VAR, leading to the penalty shootout, which Paraguay won 4-3.
Following Germany’s elimination, head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated he would not be resigning. He indicated his desire to continue in the role if the German Football Association (DFB) wished for him to do so. Nagelsmann had already spoken with DFB officials, who offered comfort rather than discussing contract extensions immediately after the defeat.
Germany had previously lost to Ecuador in their final group game before facing Paraguay, who finished third in Group D behind the US and Australia. This marked Nagelsmann’s second tournament as Germany manager, with a combined total of one knockout round victory, achieved against Denmark at their home Euros.
Nagelsmann acknowledged that public opinion in Germany might not be positive about him staying, but he expressed confidence in his ability to improve the team’s performance. He described the match against Paraguay as “very bitter” due to their ultra-defensive play and Germany’s inability to score more goals.
For Paraguay, the victory led to their president declaring Tuesday a national holiday. Paraguayan journalists celebrated the winning penalty, and coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team, highlighting the importance of football for the nation. Paraguay is now set to face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on 4 July.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
You may also like
As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”