Germany face Paraguay with Schlotterbeck feared out and Lineker stirring

Germany face Paraguay tonight in the Round of 32

Kickoff is 22:30 CEST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (1) (5). Germany go in as group winners after that wild 2–1 stoppage-time win over Ivory Coast. Paraguay are the opponent. The winner likely faces France in the Round of 16 (5).

Nagelsmann has named his lineup: Neuer in goal, back four of Brown, Rüdiger, Tah, and Kimmich. Nmecha and Pavlović in midfield, with Wirtz, Musiala, and Sané behind Havertz up front (4). Deniz Undav starts on the bench despite three goals and two assists off the bench so far, that equals a World Cup record for goal involvements by a substitute.

Germany will play in all-white

The DFB-Elf will wear white shirts, white shorts, and white socks against Paraguay (4). It is an unusual look. Germany normally pair the white shirt with black shorts. The change is dictated by tournament kit regulations for this fixture.

Schlotterbeck feared out of the tournament

Nico Schlotterbeck is awaiting an MRI for a suspected torn ankle ligament suffered in the Ivory Coast match. If confirmed, his World Cup is over. A brutal blow, he was a locked-in starter.

Lineker: "Germany are one of the weakest sides I've seen"

Gary Lineker did not hold back. "They live off their past and are one of the weakest national teams I've seen," the former England striker said ahead of the Paraguay match (3). Kai Havertz was asked about it and responded that the team is focused on their own path (3).

The path to the final is brutal

Germany's side of the bracket is stacked. After Paraguay tonight, France likely await in the Round of 16. Further down the line: potential clashes with Spain, Argentina, or Brazil (2). No easy routes from here.