Germany vs Paraguay — Prediction

Germany rotated and lost a settled finale to Ecuador, but they still topped Group E and now restore a full-strength side — Kimmich back at right-back behind a fluid front of Sané, Musiala and Wirtz supporting Havertz — that is comfortably the most dangerous attack Paraguay have faced. The deciding factor is that quality gap against a Paraguay team built on defensive organisation: they ground out a 0-0 with Australia and beat Turkey 1-0, but managed only one goal across the group and lean on the returning Miguel Almirón, back from suspension, to spark their counters. The risk that stops this being a romp is exactly that low block — Paraguay are hard to break down and will sit deep, while Germany without the tournament-ended Schlotterbeck have shown defensive lapses. If Germany are patient, the interplay of Musiala and Wirtz should unpick the block, but a frustrating, low-event game that Paraguay drag toward extra time is the live alternative. Germany to win, most likely by a controlled two-goal margin.