I went to the Germany v Paraguay match expecting the usual. A gutsy performance from the underdogs and the European giants eventually swatting them aside late on.
What I didn’t expect was one of the most memorable finishes to a game I have ever had the pleasure to be at. It was effort to a superhuman level from every single Paraguay player. For the fans here in Boston and those back watching in Asuncion it was an emotional experience bordering on a religious one by the end.
Around us in the commentary box there were levels of excitement you simply never see from the media in Europe. The Paraguayan journalists and broadcasters were breaking down and crying but somehow it felt absolutely right.
This will go down in history as one of the nation’s greatest days and in goalkeeper Orlando Gill and centre back Jose Canale they have new heroes for the ages.
Considering neither were considered first choice pre-tournament, it was extraordinary to see them deny some of the highest profile players in the world time and again. Then for the keeper to be the hero in the penalty shoot out and Canale to lash in the winning spot kick – it was pure Hollywood here in Boston.
I thought I was going to have one of those quiet predictable evenings but you know what they say: the greatest days and nights, they are the ones you least expect.