Germany begin their first World Cup knockout campaign since lifting the trophy in Brazil 12 years ago when they take on Paraguay in the Round of 32 at Foxborough.
The four-time world champions are favourites to progress despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final Group E fixture. With top spot already secured, Julian Nagelsmann rotated his squad, but the performance exposed some defensive frailties that Germany will be keen to address before the knockout rounds.
Although the defeat ended Germany’s perfect start to the tournament, Die Mannschaft had already impressed during the group stage with victories over Ivory Coast, Norway and South Korea. Their attacking football has once again made them one of the favourites to challenge for the title, even if defensive consistency remains a concern.
Nagelsmann dismissed suggestions from within his own squad that Germany lacked the right mentality against Ecuador, insisting the result should not overshadow an otherwise positive group campaign. Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany have struggled to replicate that success, making this their first appearance in the knockout rounds since their triumph in Brazil.
Paraguay, meanwhile, arrive with considerably less pressure. They secured qualification from Group D after defeating Turkey, then earned draws against Australia and Colombia. Their disciplined defensive displays have once again become their trademark, although they have lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
Their goalless draw against Australia was enough to secure progression but also raised questions over their attacking ambition after creating very few clear opportunities. Nevertheless, Paraguay have already exceeded many expectations by reaching the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.
History also favours Germany. The teams have not met competitively since the 2002 World Cup, while their last encounter was an entertaining 3-3 friendly in 2013. Germany had won four consecutive World Cup matches against CONMEBOL opposition before their defeat to Ecuador, while Paraguay have recorded only three victories over European nations at the World Cup this century.
Germany’s matches have generally been entertaining, with six of their last seven internationals seeing both teams score, and five of their last six World Cup games featuring over 2.5 goals.
Paraguay, on the other hand, have built their success on organisation rather than attacking flair. They have scored no more than once in each of their last six World Cup matches and have never scored in a World Cup knockout fixture.
One player who could make the difference is Germany forward Deniz Undav. Used predominantly from the bench during the group phase, he has already contributed three goals and two assists despite playing fewer than 90 minutes in total.
For Paraguay, midfielder Matías Galarza will carry much of the attacking responsibility after scoring one of the nation’s two goals during the group stage.
Germany will be without Nico Schlotterbeck, whose tournament ended through injury against Ivory Coast, while Nathaniel Brown also remains unavailable. Paraguay have concerns over Omar Alderete’s fitness, and Diego Gómez is suspended.
Germany enter the contest as deserved favourites thanks to their superior quality and greater attacking depth. However, Paraguay’s disciplined approach and reputation for frustrating stronger opponents mean Nagelsmann’s side cannot afford any complacency if they are to continue their pursuit of a fifth World Cup title.
