Germany have been urged to raise their game ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Paraguay, with team director Rudi Voeller insisting the squad’s biggest stars must perform when it matters most. The four-time world champions topped Group E despite a surprise defeat to Ecuador in their final group match, ending a nine-game winning streak and exposing areas needing improvement before the knockout phase.
Voeller Calls for Star Performers to Deliver
Voeller acknowledged that Germany’s leading attackers, including Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, have yet to produce their best football. Substitute Deniz Undav has emerged as the team’s leading scorer with three goals. “To reach the very big goals, the players who have developed into world-class players have to deliver. The players know there is room for improvement,” Voeller said. “We have to go to the limit.”
Paraguay Coach Confident in Team’s Solidity
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed confidence in his team’s recent performances. “Our team has been very solid in the past two games. We will now recover in order to have all the players ready for the next match,” Alfaro said.
Brazil Seek Redemption Against Japan
Brazil will have an opportunity to avenge last year’s stunning defeat to Japan when the two sides meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Monday. Carlo Ancelotti is confident his side has matured since that setback. Japan shocked Brazil 3-2 in a 2025 friendly after recovering from two goals down, but Ancelotti believes his team has made significant progress since then. Following an opening draw with Morocco, Brazil responded with consecutive victories to build momentum heading into the knockout stage.
Ancelotti Demands Grit and Improvement
“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker,” Ancelotti said. “But I’m pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it’s a knockout competition. We need to show real grit.”
