Germany faces Paraguay in crucial World Cup qualifier amid performance doubts

Germany enters its World Cup 2026 qualifier against Paraguay as the favorite, despite lingering doubts surrounding both teams' performances. The match, scheduled for Monday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is pivotal for both nations as they vie for a place in the knockout stage. For Germany, this tournament marks a return to contention after disappointing consecutive group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, following their 2014 championship title. Paraguay, meanwhile, aims to replicate its historic quarter-final run from the 2010 World Cup, having missed the last three editions. Despite securing passage to the next round, neither team has silenced critics, with coaches Julian Nagelsmann and Gustavo Alfaro facing scrutiny. Germany's path included a dominant win over Curaçao, a late comeback against Ivory Coast, and a loss to Ecuador, which caused dissatisfaction despite topping the group. Influential figures in German football have called for improved play and the inclusion of in-form strikers. Paraguay's journey featured a heavy defeat to the United States, a hard-fought victory over Turkey after a red card, and a defensive draw against Australia, a strategy that drew criticism from coach Alfaro himself. The winner of this encounter will advance to face the victor of the France-Sweden match.

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And if we are eliminated, we are eliminated.