Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has stressed that only victories can silence critics as his side prepares for its FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Paraguay. Speaking ahead of Monday's knockout encounter near Boston, Nagelsmann said expectations surrounding the German national team are always centred on winning and insisted his players are focused solely on progressing to the next stage. Germany advanced to the knockout rounds after topping Group E but entered the match under renewed scrutiny following a defeat to Ecuador in their final group-stage fixture.

Germany secured qualification with a game to spare after an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao and a late 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. However, the loss to Ecuador raised fresh doubts about the team's title credentials despite finishing at the top of the group. A victory over Paraguay would send Germany into the Round of 16, where a potential meeting with France could await in one of the tournament's biggest fixtures.

Addressing the media, Nagelsmann emphasised that success at international level is judged by results rather than performances. He said the coaching staff had prepared the squad thoroughly and expressed confidence that the players understood their tactical responsibilities. Reflecting on the defeat to Ecuador, the Germany coach admitted his side had committed what he described as "tactical suicide" despite taking an early lead but insisted the team had responded positively during training ahead of the knockout match.

Also Read: Neymar Pledges USD 250,000 to Venezuela Earthquake Relief; Recovery Improving for World Cup

Nagelsmann also defended his decision to field an almost full-strength lineup in the final group match despite qualification already being secured. Unlike several other teams that rested key players, Germany opted to maintain momentum, and the coach said he had been encouraged by the intensity and quality shown by his squad in recent training sessions. He expressed confidence that his players would deliver their best performance when it mattered most in the knockout stage.

Forward Kai Havertz is expected to retain his place in Germany's starting lineup despite strong performances from substitute Deniz Undav, who contributed three goals and two assists during the opening two matches of the tournament. Havertz said he relishes playing on football's biggest stages and is eager to experience World Cup knockout football after Germany's group-stage eliminations in the previous two editions of the tournament. He also expressed confidence in the attacking partnership with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.

Havertz acknowledged that Germany's attacking trio has yet to consistently reach its full potential at the World Cup, partly due to injury-disrupted seasons and adaptation challenges at club level. However, he said the players regularly discuss ways to improve their understanding on the field and remain fully convinced they can deliver when it matters most. Germany will now look to translate that confidence into a winning performance against Paraguay as they continue their pursuit of a fifth FIFA World Cup title.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Inspires Argentina With Another Goal As They Enter World Cup Last 32