CORNERFLICK
Germany return to a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 12 years when they face Paraguay in Boston on Monday in the round of 16.
The sides have met only twice before. Germany beat Paraguay 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup, thanks to an Oliver Neuville goal, while their other meeting ended 3-3 in a friendly in 2013.
Germany reached the knockouts by finishing top of Group E, although their group-stage form was mixed. They opened with a 7-1 win over Curaçao, came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 after Deniz Undav made the difference, and then lost 2-1 to Ecuador. Even so, they avoided a repeat of 2018 and 2022, when they exited in the group stage.
Paraguay also arrive with a poor record at this stage. They have lost all four of their knockout matches against European teams without scoring, and have never scored in any of their five World Cup knockout games. Their only knockout victory came against Japan on penalties in 2010.
Julio Enciso has been Paraguay’s main attacking outlet, providing both of their goals and leading the squad for chances created, big chances and final-third pressing.