Germany prepares for Paraguay match after Ecuador loss

By Bilal Ahmed

By Bilal Ahmed — 28 June 2026 — 3 min read

Following a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, Germany is preparing for its upcoming match against Paraguay. The loss to Ecuador has prompted discussions regarding team selection and performance, particularly concerning head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decisions.

Rudi Völler, the DFB director, indicated that the game against Ecuador held greater significance for their opponents, who were fighting for their World Cup progression. He noted that while Germany always aims to win, a slight dip in performance is normal when a team has already secured advancement. Völler expressed confidence that the team would deliver a strong performance in the next match, emphasising its importance for advancing to the next round.

Team Selection Debates

There has been considerable debate surrounding Nagelsmann’s player choices throughout the World Cup. Despite some criticism, Nagelsmann has maintained certain selections, notably Leroy Sané and Manuel Neuer, who have been consistent starters.

In goal, Manuel Neuer’s recent performances have drawn scrutiny, as he has not kept a clean sheet in his three matches since returning from retirement. While Neuer is considered unlikely to be benched, Jonas Urbig or Oliver Baumann are seen as potential alternatives.

The proposed defensive lineup includes David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, and Nathaniel Brown. This selection suggests a change from previous formations, with Brown, who has played as a right-back for Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially solidifying the backline. The absence of Nico Schlotterbeck has also been noted.

In the midfield, a pivot of Felix Nmecha and Joshua Kimmich is suggested. While benching Aleksandar Pavlović might seem harsh, Kimmich is expected to retain his central midfield role. Their combined skill sets are anticipated to help Die Mannschaft control the midfield. Leon Goretzka is considered a strong option to come off the bench, given Pascal Groß’s recent ineffective appearances.

Attacking Options

The attacking formation is expected to feature Jamal Musiala, Deniz Undav, and Florian Wirtz. This combination is believed to offer a more fluid offensive approach. Despite Leroy Sané’s goal in the last match, his overall impact on the German attack has been questioned.

Undav, playing as the number 10, alongside Wirtz and Musiala, could provide the necessary dynamic for the offense to find its rhythm. This setup aims to unlock the team’s attacking potential, which is perceived to be on the verge of a breakthrough.

For the striker position, Kai Havertz remains a key option due to his size and finishing ability. His capacity to roam freely and his established chemistry with both Musiala and Wirtz are considered assets. There is also a suggestion for Nick Woltemade to be introduced around the 60th minute to assess his contributions.

The team’s focus now shifts to the match against Paraguay, which is seen as a crucial step towards the Round of 16. Germany has advanced from the group stage for the first time since 2014, despite being in what was considered a relatively weak group.

Nagelsmann’s decision to play his starters against Ecuador was aimed at improving team chemistry, even though resting players might have been beneficial with the knockout rounds in sight. The upcoming match on Monday will be a decisive moment for Germany’s progression in the tournament.

Source: bavarianfootballworks.com