Former Portsmouth favourite Gustavo Caballero shines as stock grows again after huge World Cup shock
Gustavo Caballero scored one goal in his 14 appearances during his loan stay at Fratton Park during the second half of the season.
Gustavo Caballero and Paraguay have produced the biggest shock of the World Cup so far.
The Pompey loanee featured heavily as Gustavo Alfaro’s men secured a penalty shootout triumph over four-time winners Germany on Monday evening.
La Albirroja earned qualification to the knockouts in their first tournament for 16 years after finishing third in Group D, having earned four points from their three games.
Pompey loanee shines in huge World Cup shock
Despite the daunting task of Julien Nagelsmann’s side who topped Group E in the round of 32, Paraguay took a shock lead before the break through ex-Brighton talent Julio Encisio.
Although Die Mannschaft responded early in the second half after a header by Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, Caballero made his introduction soon after on 55 minutes - his first outing in the tournament so far.
And the winger, who scored one goal in 14 appearances during a loan stint after Fratton Park during the second half of the season, caused plenty of issues for Germany’s defence.
The 24-year-old had a brilliant opportunity to give Alfaro’s men the surprise lead mid-way through the second half, but his well-timed header was saved by Manuel Neuer.
The game remained deadlocked heading into extra time before being taken to penalties, where Paraguay produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
The South American side went on to win 4-3 from the spot, although Caballero didn’t step up from 12 yards.
There were fears his dreams would go to the ground having been conducting rehab in the US prior to linking up with the squad ahead of their final group stage match against Australia.
Caballero, of course, missed Pompey’s final five matches of the campaign due to a groin issue suffered in the 1-0 win against Middlesbrough in April.
Pompey in the market for a right winger this summer
The Fratton faithful have certainly kept tabs of the popular attacker’s tournament with a view of a potential return next season.
John Mousinho’s men are in the market for a new right winger this summer as the head coach looks to bolster his front line.
The Blues boss has indicated Pompey will be keen to do a deal at the right price, with a £2.5m option to buy the player expiring.
Caballero, of course, netted one goal in 14 Championship appearances after making the move from Brazilian outfit Santos on deadline day in February.
The Blues are believed to be in talks with Hull City over a potential move, although a deal has yet to be agreed.
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