Klopp and Kroos fume as Paraguay leave Germany in ruins

Klopp: if that goal is illegal, Arsenal aren't champions

Jurgen Klopp jumped straight into the controversy. Germany had a goal disallowed against Paraguay in the round of 32, and Klopp went for a comparison that stings: "If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions" (3). Paraguay won that match 4–3 on penalties after the 1–1 draw, and Klopp clearly believes the disallowed goal should have stood.

Kroos scorches Germany: 'Not a single world-class player'

Toni Kroos did not hold back after Germany crashed out to Paraguay. "We don't have a single world-class player," he said, a brutal assessment of the squad you just eliminated (7). For Paraguay fans, that line carries extra weight, your team did not just beat Germany, it exposed them.

Chilavert: Paraguay won through 'rebelliousness'

José Luis Chilavert had his say after the historic win: "Paraguay won by the rebelliousness of its players" (2). The legendary goalkeeper sees something fierce in this squad, a refusal to accept the script. A nation that declared a public holiday after the Germany result will not disagree.

France await on Saturday

Mbappé. Olise. A France attack some are calling the best in their history (5) (6). That is what Paraguay face in the round of 16 on Saturday. Orlando Gill will need another big performance. The momentum from the Germany shootout is real, but France are a different kind of test.

Neuer retires after Paraguay heartbreak

Manuel Neuer is done with the national team after 16 years. "This ending hurts so much," he said, with Paraguay the team that closed the book (1). Germany missed three penalties in that shootout, including one from Jonathan Tah. Neuer walks away with your team's name stamped on his final international memory.

Galarza: hero for Paraguay, transfer-listed at River Plate

Matias Galarza was everywhere against Germany, earning praise across Paraguay. But at River Plate, the club has put him on the exit list (4). A player who just announced himself on the biggest stage may be available this summer.