Germany vs Paraguay – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Germany is set to play their first knockout match in the World Cup after 12 years as they face Paraguay in the Round of 32 on Monday at the Boston Stadium.

Germany vs Paraguay – Match preview and team news

Germany team news

Germany enters the Round of 32 dealing with a critical blow to their defensive stability. Central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup tournament due to a severe ankle injury, forcing manager Julian Nagelsmann to rely heavily on the established partnership of Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah.

Further complicating the backline is left-back Nathaniel Brown, who remains a major doubt after an adductor problem sidelined him from the final group-stage fixture against Ecuador. While team director Rudi Völler remains optimistic about Brown’s recovery, David Raum is fully prepared to deputise if he fails a late fitness test.

Fortunately for Germany, its star-studded attacking machinery remains entirely intact and healthy. Nagelsmann is expected to unleash his fluid, high-scoring frontline led by Kai Havertz, heavily supported by creative virtuosos Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sané.

Paraguay team news

Paraguay receives a massive tactical boost ahead of this knockout clash with the return of star winger Miguel Almirón. The Newcastle United attacker is available for selection after serving a costly one-match suspension during the team’s final group-stage encounter against Australia, and he will immediately spearhead their counter-attacking threat.

However, La Albirroja must cope with a devastating midfield absence, as Diego Gómez is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage, which will severely dent their technical control and set-piece delivery.

Injury concerns also loom heavily over the defence, where central defender Omar Alderete is racing against time to recover from a troubling knee injury. If Alderete cannot clear fitness protocols, Júnior Alonso or Víctor Velázquez will step in to partner Gustavo Gómez. They will face a busy evening protecting goalkeeper Orlando Gill against Germany’s relentless pressure, while relying on Julio Enciso to help Almirón transition.

Form

Germany

Germany advanced as Group E winners, but their dominant momentum stumbled just before the knockouts. Julian Nagelsmann’s squad opened their campaign with a ruthless 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao and followed up with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast. However, their final group match exposed defensive gaps, resulting in a shocking 2-1 defeat against Ecuador. While their explosive attack remains formidable, consistency from marquee names is heavily needed to stabilise their form.

Paraguay

Paraguay fought their way into the Round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams out of Group D. After suffering a heavy 4-1 loss to the United States in their opener, La Albirroja completely pivoted to a resilient, defensive style under Gustavo Alfaro. They bounced back to stun Turkey 1-0 despite playing down a man and held Australia to a crucial 0-0 draw to carry two consecutive clean sheets into the knockout stage.

Predicted lineups

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz

Paraguay: Gill; Caceres, Alderete, Velazquez, Alonso; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Avalos, Enciso

How to watch Germany vs Paraguay?

In the United Kingdom, you can watch the Germany vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match live and completely free-to-air on BBC One.

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