Boston to host Germany against Paraguay in World Cup last 32
Germany returns to knockout stage
Germany is set to compete in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, facing Paraguay in the round of 32. The match will take place at Boston Stadium on Monday, 29 June, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 PM BST. This marks a significant moment for the German national team, as their previous appearances in the tournament since 2014 saw them fail to advance beyond the group stage.
Despite finishing as winners of Group E, Julian Nagelsmann’s side experienced a setback in their final group match, where Ecuador secured a dramatic win in New York. This result, however, did not prevent Germany from progressing to the knockout rounds, ending a period of underperformance in the tournament.
Paraguay, on the other hand, advanced from Group D in third place. To progress further, they will need to deliver a significant upset against the four-time champions. Paraguay has a history of challenging strong teams in the World Cup, having previously troubled France in 1998 and Germany in 2002, both matches requiring late interventions from the eventual finalists or winners.
The reward for the winners of this fixture is a last-16 match in Philadelphia on Saturday, 4 July, where they will face either France or Sweden.
Team news and historical context
For Paraguay, Miguel Almiron returns to the squad after serving a suspension. However, Diego Gomez will miss the match due to his own suspension. Additionally, Omar Alderete and Ramon Sosa are both awaiting assessment for knee and muscle injuries, respectively.
Germany will be without Nico Schlotterbeck, who sustained an ankle injury during their match against Ivory Coast and is unlikely to feature again in the tournament. Nathaniel Brown, who missed the Ecuador game due to a muscle issue, could potentially return for this crucial encounter.
Historically, Paraguay has shown resilience in World Cup knockout games despite not scoring in their last five. In 2010, they reached the quarter-finals and gave eventual winners Spain a scare, losing 1-0 after Oscar Cardozo had a penalty saved. Even in 1986, against England, they created opportunities to take the lead.
The match will see Deniz Undav start up front for Germany for the first time, having scored three goals in the tournament. His inclusion could provide a new dynamic for the German attack.
Group stage performances
Germany’s path to the knockout stage included a dominant 7-1 victory against Curacao and a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, before their 0-1 loss to Ecuador.
- Germany’s Group E results:
- 7-1 vs Curacao
- 2-1 vs Ivory Coast
- 0-1 vs Ecuador
Paraguay’s group stage journey saw them finish third in Group D. Their results included a 1-4 loss to the USA, a 1-0 win against Turkey, and a 0-0 draw with Australia.
- Paraguay’s Group D results:
- 1-4 vs USA
- 1-0 vs Turkey
- 0-0 vs Australia
The fixture will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and in the US on Fox Sports, allowing fans to follow all the action from Boston Stadium.
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Source: theguardian.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
