Germany
Germany are on the trail for a fifth world cup title and they will be delighted to have made the kncokout stages having been eliminated at the group stages in 2018 & 2022. Julian Nagelsmann’s team will be hoping to go deep into the tournament with the talent he has available.
Die Mannschaft have been at their efficient best in the group stages without really having to hit the heights expected to win the Tournament. They eventually saw of Curacao 7-1 despite a first half scare then beat Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a Deniz Undav brace.
On Matchday 3 Nagelsmann made wholesale changes to his starting team with Qualification & top spot already assured. They turned in an uninspiring performance and were beaten 2-1 by South Americans Ecuador.
Injuries & Team News
Germany will revert back to the starting sides from the opening two games, the only exception will be Nico Schlotterback who will miss the rest of the world cup through injury, he will be replaced by Antonio Rudiger who will start alongside Jonathan Tah.
Nathaniel Brown has been carrying a muscle issue but is expected to start at left back despite David Raum having a decent game vs Ecuador.
Deniz Undav has been the star of the tournament for Germany thus far but he will struggle to get a starting berth ahead of Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz & Jamal Musiala.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-2 vs Ecuador | W W W W W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Paraguay
This is the Eighth World cup that Paraguay have competed at and they will be hoping to match their best ever record when they reached the Quarter Finals in 2010, however that wont be easy with Germany and potentially France standing in their way.
To many it might be a surprise to see Paraguay in the round of 32, On matchday one they were hammered 4-1 by co-hosts USA and looked long odds to make it to the knockout stages, They had been very good defensively leading into that game but the US tore them apart.
However they have showed there true selves in the corresponding two fixtures since. On Matchday 2 they hot back with a Surprise 1-0 victory over much fancied Turkey and finished the group with a 1-0 win over Australia.
Injuries & Team News
Paraguay will have to make at least one change for this Germany match with Diego Gomez picking up his second yellow card of the group stage against Australia so he will miss out through suspension.
Better news for coach Gustavo Alfaro is the return from suspension of Miguel Almiron who was needlessly sent off against Turkey for covering his mouth whilst arguing with an opponent. He will come straight back into the starting side.
Omar Alderete (knee) and Ramon Sosa (muscle) both need to be assessed but are expected to start.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs Australia | W L W L D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Paraguay possible starting lineup:
Gill; Caceres, Alderete, Velazquez, Alonso; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Avalos, Enciso
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Win | 1/3 – (1.35) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 4/1 – (5.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Paraguay Win | 8/1 – (9.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Germany 3-1 Paraguay
Germany have not been impressive and to be honest Paraguay have impressed but i have to make a prediction based on the talent in the two squads and I think Germany have too much attacking prowess for the South Americans