Germany seeks response against a "vindictive" Paraguay in World Cup knockout stage
Germany and Paraguay face each other this Monday (29), at 5:30 pm (Brasília time), in Boston, in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The confrontation is crucial for Germany, which seeks to respond after a recent stumble, while Paraguay dreams of qualifying and a possible historic rematch.
Favorites in the clash and one of the main teams in the World Cup, Germany disappointed by losing to Ecuador in the last game of the group stage and were heavily criticized due to their performance.
Still, the game against another South American team, of a similar level to Ecuador, is seen as the perfect opportunity for the Germans to respond to critics and demonstrate that the previous defeat was a mistake after already guaranteed classification.
Paraguay seeks inspiration in Ecuador
Paraguay arrives with the goal of being inspired precisely by Ecuador's victory over the Germans. The team led by Gustavo Alfaro has already demonstrated its determination by holding on to victory against Turkey, even with one player less during the entire game.
The duel also represents the reunion of the two teams in World Cups after their clash in 2002. On that occasion, Germany won 1-0, eliminating Paraguay from the tournament, which makes this game a chance for revenge for the South Americans.
Status of teams and lineups
On the German side, coach Julian Nagelsmann does not record any new absences. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck remains out, having been absent since the second game of the group stage, when he suffered an injury that ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup.
However, Nagelsmann must count on the return of full-back Nathaniel Brown, who was rested in the previous match against Ecuador and is fit to play.
In Paraguay, midfielder Diego Gómez is suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards and will be an important absence. Furthermore, defender Alderete is doubtful, dealing with trauma to his left knee.
The good news for coach Gustavo Alfaro's team is the return of star Miguel Almirón, who served his suspension and will be back available for the decisive clash.
Probable lineups
Probable Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Jonathan Tah and Brown (Raum); Nmecha, Pavlovic, Musiala and Wirtz; Sané and Havertz (Undav). Coach: Julian Nagelsmann.
Probable Paraguay: Orlando Gill; Cáceres, Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Alderete (Canale) and Junior Alonso (Medina); Andrés Cubas, Galarza, Almirón and Enciso; Ávalos. Coach: Gustavo Alfaro.
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Source: CNN