2026 World Cup: Germany's Challenge Against a Physically Strong Paraguay Team

According to a TTXVN correspondent in Berlin, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the only player in the current German squad with experience against Paraguay, having featured in a 3-3 friendly draw in 2013. This highlights that the majority of German players have no real-world exposure to opponents from South America.

In the 2002 World Cup, Germany met Paraguay in the round of 16 and secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal in a match noted for its tactical tension and intensity. DFB Sporting Director Rudi Völler remarked that "Die Mannschaft" will enter this encounter with a different mindset, as the knockout nature forces teams to be fully focused.

Ahead of the match, the German coaching staff has placed special emphasis on the physical battle. Recent games have shown the team struggling in one-on-one duels against opponents with superior physique. Players like Aleksandar Pavlovic, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Joshua Kimmich have often been placed under heavy pressure from close-marking play.

Nevertheless, Nagelsmann has little intention of making major changes to the team structure. He believes that improving physique or strength requires a long-term process, while the team needs to maintain tactical stability and its current operational style.

On the Paraguayan side, the South American team is predicted to stay loyal to a compact defensive style, dropping deep and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. After three group-stage matches, they have demonstrated disciplined defensive organization, although they did concede several goals in one game.

Facing an opponent that tends to play deep and is physically robust, Nagelsmann has instructed his players to remain patient, secure ball possession, and move flexibly to create space. He emphasized that quick ball circulation and maintaining proper team spacing will be key to breaking through the opponent's dense defensive setup.

Notably, all of Germany's goals in the tournament so far have come from inside the penalty area, reflecting their efficiency in finishing. The coaching staff expects the team to continue this sharpness while minimizing unnecessary physical contests in what is anticipated to be a high-pressure match.