Germany have sealed their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after beating Curacao and the Ivory Coast in their opening matches. Die Mannschaft will also finish on top of the Group as they have a better head-to-head to Cote d’Ivoire, the only side who can match them in the points tally.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side will take on a third-place side from Group A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32. The match will take place on June 29 at the Boston Stadium.
Brazil were the toughest opponents possible for Germany in the Round of 32, but with Selecao beating Scotland and winning all their games, that has been ruled out. Morocco are also ruled out from Group C, as they finished second, but Scotland remain in the mix.
The loser of Paraguay vs Australia are a possibility for the Germans, and their match takes place today, June 25, at Santa Clara. Both teams have three points each, and a draw would see Paraguay finish third with four points and a -2 goal difference.
Japan vs Sweden will also be a match Germany will have to keep an eye on today. The Netherlands have not won Group F yet, but Tunisia have been eliminated, and the loser of Japan and Sweden will finish third regardless of the result in the other game.
The other possible opponents for Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 are South Korea from Group A or Bosnia-Herzegovina from Group B. They finished third after their matches yesterday, June 24, and have sealed their place in the knockout stage.
Germany boss hits out at FIFA World Cup schedule
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is not happy with the FIFA World Cup schedule. He believes that his side are being punished for finishing on top of their group as they have less than 48 to prepare for their Round of 32 game and said:
“I think you’re a bit punished as a group winner. We divided up the potential opponents. I watched three or four matches, and the analysis team did as well. Everyone can imagine there are better ways to spend Saturday night than working through it. It will be an all-nighter; we want to have large parts of it prepared so we don’t have to create the match plan in a huge rush on Sunday. We’ll manage it, we’re almost all still young in the coaching staff, so we can work through the night if necessary.” (via iMiaSanMia)
Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 in the first match, before coming from behind to beat the Ivory Coast in the second match of the FIFA World Cup.
Edited by Sripad
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