Germany begins their FIFA World Cup knockout campaign as overwhelming favorites when they take on Paraguay in the Round of 32, but Julian Nagelsmann's side is unlikely to underestimate an opponent that has built its tournament run on defensive discipline and resilience.

After topping Group E with an attacking brand of football, Germany heads into the knockout stage as one of the strongest title contenders. Paraguay, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after grinding out four points in the group stage, relying on a compact defensive structure and quick counterattacks.

Germany: Team News

Germany is expected to retain their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the attack and an exciting trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane operating behind him. The creative midfield has been central to Germany's success, combining movement, pace and technical quality to unlock opposition defences.

Joshua Kimmich is set to continue at right-back, while Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah are likely to marshal the defence. Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to anchor midfield.

Nagelsmann has an injury concern over left-back Nathaniel Brown, who is nursing a groin problem but remains in contention to start. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck has already been ruled out.

Paraguay: Team News

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro is expected to stick with a compact 4-4-2 system that has frustrated opponents throughout the tournament. Julio Enciso and Gabriel Avalos are likely to spearhead the attack, while Miguel Almiron's pace on the flanks remains Paraguay's biggest outlet on the counter.

The South Americans have suffered a major setback with midfielder Diego Gomez suspended, depriving them of an important set-piece specialist and creative influence. Defender Omar Alderete is also a doubt, making Gustavo Gomez and Victor Velazquez the probable central defensive pairing.

Predicted lineups

Germany (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz; Kai Havertz.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Orlando Gill; Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Víctor Velázquez, Junior Alonso; Miguel Almiron, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Mauricio; Julio Enciso, Gabriel Avalos.

Tactical battle

Germany is expected to dominate possession and patiently probe Paraguay's organised defensive block. Wirtz and Musiala will be tasked with finding spaces between the lines, while Sane's pace could stretch the Paraguayan backline.

Paraguay, however, have shown they are comfortable defending deep before breaking quickly through Enciso and Almiron. Their disciplined shape has troubled stronger teams already, although the absence of Diego Gomez weakens their threat from dead-ball situations.

Germany's only concern has been occasional vulnerability on the counterattack when committing numbers forward. Paraguay will look to exploit those moments, but creating enough clear-cut chances against the Germans could prove difficult.

Head-to-head

Germany has never lost to Paraguay. Their most notable meeting came in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, when Germany secured a narrow 1-0 victory before reaching the final. The teams also played out a 3-3 draw in an international friendly in 2013.

Match prediction

Germany possesses significantly greater attacking quality and depth, making them clear favourite to progress. Paraguay's disciplined defending could keep the contest close for long periods, but Germany is expected to eventually break through.