Germany's Deniz Undav has emerged as Germany's most influential player. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Germany sporting director Rudi Voller believes his side must raise their level as they take on Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 today, insisting the four-time champions are ready to push themselves to the limit in pursuit of a place in the last 16.
Germany topped their group with six points despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group-stage match after earlier victories over Curacao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1).
Paraguay, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing behind the United States and Australia in Group D, recording one win, one draw and one defeat.
Speaking ahead of the knockout encounter to be staged at the 63,815-seat Gillette Stadium - the home of NFL’s New England Patriots, Voller said Germany had already achieved their first objective.
However, the 66-year-old stressed that the tournament now enters its decisive stage.
“Before the tournament, we would have been delighted to qualify for the next round as group winners after only two games. We deserved to achieve exactly that,” Voller said during a press conference in Foxborough yesterday.
“At the same time, we know there is still room for improvement. Now is when the World Cup really gets going. Our full focus is on Paraguay. We believe that we will give it our best and push ourselves to the limit.”
While Julian Nagelsmann-coached Germany boast a fearsome front line led by Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane and Florian Wirtz, much of their attacking spark throughout the group stage came from substitute Deniz Undav, who netted three goals and made two assists in just 56 minutes off the bench.
Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane and Florian Wirtz have also impressed in attack, but defensive concerns emerged against Ecuador, causing the Bavarians go down.
Gustafo Alvaro-coached Paraguay, meanwhile, secured their place in the knockout stage thanks to determined performances built around Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron.
Enciso has assisted both of Paraguay’s goals in the tournament, while Almiron returns from suspension looking to make an impact against the European heavyweights.
However, Paraguay could be without centre-back Omar Alderete, who is doubtful with a knee injury, leaving captain Gustavo Gomez and Gustavo Velazquez with the task of containing Germany’s fearsome attack.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill has been one of Paraguay’s standout performers, recording back-to-back five-save performances against Turkiye and Australia after a difficult opening match against the United States.
The two teams last met almost 13 years ago, with the friendly encounter ending in a three-all draw, while the Germans prevailed in their previous World Cup meeting way back in 2002.
If Germany can rediscover the form that saw them dominate their opening two matches, and Paraguay continue to frustrate opponents, fans can expect a fiercely contested knockout encounter with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.
