Testing the mettle of the German "tank"

The encounter between Germany and Paraguay on the morning of June 30th was a tough test of the European team's mettle after their stumble in the final group stage match.

A much-needed "slap in the face" for the German national team.

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has concluded with quite a few surprises. As the intense knockout phase with 32 teams officially begins, every mistake will be costly.

Julian Nagelsmann's team had a dream start in Group E with a crushing 7-1 victory over Curacao and a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Ivory Coast. However, a 1-2 defeat against Ecuador in the final match exposed a number of Germany's weaknesses. A leaky defense and a lack of concentration from the central midfielders cost the German team dearly.

Despite reaching the Round of 16 as group E winners, the German team still left fans uneasy due to numerous tactical and tactical issues. The defeat against Ecuador can be seen as a necessary blow to the pride of the "Die Mannschaft" stars, helping them to wake up before entering the knockout stage.

Germany will have to balance attack and defense in every challenge from the knockout round onwards. (Photo: DFB)

Central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an ankle injury. This means that veteran Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah will have to shoulder the responsibility of being the last line of defense in front of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Up front, fans are hoping Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will rediscover their creative flair to provide ammunition for Kai Havertz or the prolific goalscorer Deniz Undav.

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Paraguay: Pragmatic, efficient

Paraguay advanced to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage. Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, the South American team's playing style wasn't flashy, even criticized as rough and pragmatic, but it proved extremely effective.

The goalless draw against Australia and the narrow victory against Türkiye demonstrated the resilience of their South American-style defensive system. Paraguay are willing to play deep, press aggressively, and are not afraid of physical contact to disrupt their opponents' game.

Paraguay's biggest loss in the upcoming match is the absence of midfielder Diego Gomez due to accumulating two yellow cards. However, they can be somewhat reassured by the return of star winger Miguel Almirón after his suspension. Almirón's speed, cunning, and ability to create breakthroughs are Paraguay's most dangerous weapons in exploiting Germany's high-pressing flanks, which often leave gaps.

Any "scenario" is possible.

Many people surely haven't forgotten the Round of 16 match at the 2002 World Cup, where Oliver Neuville's late volley sent Paraguay home and propelled Germany into the quarter-finals. The most recent friendly between the two teams also ended in a 3-3 draw. Now, more than two decades later, fate has brought them together again in a World Cup knockout round.

Compared to Paraguay, international experts rate Germany higher. The "German Panzer" possesses superior squad quality in every position and has the advantage of travel and rest. Paraguay has not faced a European team with such a devastating attacking force as Germany in the past five years.

As the World Cup enters the knockout stage, the craziest scenarios are possible. If coach Nagelsmann cannot help his players break through Alfaro's stubborn defensive "concrete wall," the Germans could very well suffer a bitter defeat from lightning-fast counter-attacks or set-piece situations from the "La Albirroja" warriors.

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Source: https://nld.com.vn/kiem-tra-ban-linh-co-xe-tang-duc-196260628204420899.htm