​Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup thanks to the heroic performance of Orlando Gill. The 26-year-old goalkeeper delivered two pivotal saves during the penalty shootout on Monday to defeat Germany. After not qualifying for a World Cup since reaching the quarterfinals in 2010, La Albirroja recovered from an opening loss to the United States by defeating Türkiye and drawing with Australia to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Gill has emerged as a national icon in Paraguay for his role in eliminating Germany. The inspiring tale of his path to becoming Paraguay’s starting goalkeeper, along with the trials he and his partner, Melissa Avalos, have faced, has resurfaced this week. Avalos revealed that, before Gill joined the national team, he had to sell some of his gear to help support their family while their son Lautaro faced health complications after being born prematurely in December 2022. Avalos later required emergency surgery, and the resulting hospital bills left the young goalkeeper with no choice but to sell personal items to cover expenses. “Our son fought for his life, and his dad was always there,” Avalos wrote on Instagram last September. “He gave everything; he sold everything—his clothes, his sneakers, even his U20 national team jersey, which he couldn’t keep as a memory.” Gill had made one appearance for Paraguay’s U20 team, making the jersey especially meaningful to him. The jersey was purchased by Gill’s friend, Pedro Suárez, for 200,000 guarani ($32.90 USD). Suárez told NPY that he helped Gill with the amount, explaining he could provide a little financial support for his friend’s family. He then sent Gill a message of encouragement as Paraguay prepared to face World Cup favorites France on Saturday, offering to return the jersey at no cost. There was one condition, though: “Don’t worry about the shirt; I’ll save it for you, but you have to beat France,” Suárez joked.