Paraguay Advances Past Four-Time Champions on Penalties

Paraguay eliminated the four-time World Cup winners on penalties in the round of 32 at Boston Stadium on Monday. The result followed Paraguay's opening group-stage loss to the United States. Fans at the stadium reacted with tears after Julio Enciso scored and Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty. Tuesday was declared a national holiday in Paraguay after the outcome.

Ecuador advanced to the round of 32 after a late winner against Germany. Coach Sebastian Beccacece had faced fan anger after an earlier draw with Curaçao, but celebrated with family in the stands following the victory. Cape Verde recorded a draw with Spain earlier in the tournament.

1998 group-stage win over Brazil showed that belief within a squad can produce surprises against favored sides. "I think you have to think you can do something," Halle told ESPN. "We had shown that against other big teams that we could do it. " Ireland's 1994 victory over Italy relied on an early goal and defensive focus on key opponents.

"When you score first in matches like that it's big," Townsend told ESPN. "It really does make a huge difference. " Croatia used inside knowledge from Ivan Rakitic ahead of their 2018 group match against Argentina. Rakitic described a pre-match meeting with Luka Modric and the coach that produced a plan to limit Lionel Messi.

"Two days before the game, we did a good analysis -- me, Luka and the coach," Rakitic told ESPN.