"It's all about winning" Julian Nagelsmann Demands Germany's Best As Knockouts Begin Against Paraguay

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has challenged his players to produce their most complete performance of the tournament when they face Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, insisting the pressure surrounding the national team can only be answered by winning.

Despite finishing top of Group E, Germany head into the knockout stages under renewed scrutiny after surrendering an early lead in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. Having already qualified, the result did not affect their progress, but it reignited questions over whether Julian Nagelsmann's side are genuine contenders for a fifth world title.

The Germany coach stressed that external criticism carries little weight compared to the objective facing his squad.

"When you discuss the German national team, it is all about trying to win every game. It is all about winning the game tomorrow," Nagelsmann said in his pre-match press conference.

"To deal with expectations is just to have good self-confidence, have a good plan and give the players a structure so they feel comfortable on the pitch and can show what good players they are. For me, there was never any doubt that the team didn’t want to win; we always gave it our all and tried to create chances."

"It is all about winning in football. If you win, everything is perfect. Everything is terrible if you lose. So we have to win tomorrow."

Nagelsmann admitted after the Ecuador defeat that Germany's positioning became disjointed after taking an early lead, describing it as a tactical mistake, but he is convinced his players have responded in the right manner ahead of the knockout rounds.

"When I looked at the training session, I can tell you that I'm pleased. The boys will bring their A-game tomorrow."

"I've said many times that since I became national coach, we haven't had a bad training session. Today's final practice was really intense. You could feel everyone knew there is a knockout game tomorrow."

Germany are expected to welcome Nathaniel Brown back after injury, although Nagelsmann refused to reveal whether further changes are planned following the Ecuador setback.

"There are some tactical ideas to change things a bit tomorrow, but it's also open to keep everything the same."

"I'm not going to spoil anything. You'll see when the team sheet comes out. It's not about keeping secrets from you; it's about not making the opposing coach's job any easier."

Nagelsmann expects Paraguay to provide a stern physical examination after recovering from an opening 4-1 defeat to reach the knockout stages as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

"They are definitely known for their solid defensive style. They fight for second balls, play with great physicality and are an annoying opponent who will demand a lot from us."

"We need a perfect performance tomorrow."

One area Germany will be looking to improve is their attacking cohesion. Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz have yet to consistently reproduce the fluid combinations that made them one of Europe's most dangerous attacking units.

Havertz, however, believes the understanding between the trio is improving with every match.

"We're really close. We talk a lot about what we can improve and what we need to do better.

The three of us know we haven't fully tapped into our potential yet. We're aware of that ourselves, and we call ourselves out on it too."

The Arsenal forward, who scored twice against Curaçao, is also relishing his first experience of World Cup knockout football after Germany failed to progress beyond the group stage in the previous two tournaments.

"My first World Cup was crazy. It's something a lot of people dream about as kids."

"It's a dream come true for me that tomorrow is finally happening. Everyone's fired up and ready to go."

Havertz has often delivered on football's biggest occasions, scoring in two UEFA Champions League finals during his club career, and hopes that trend continues on the international stage.

"I think in general I just like bigger occasions. I don't know why. I just feel comfortable."

"I just hope I can continue that streak on the biggest stage, the World Cup."

Confident Germany can rediscover their attacking rhythm, Havertz believes familiarity between the front three will ultimately prove decisive.

"I think all three of us have already played football at the highest level. Everyone trusts their abilities."

"It always takes a little time when everyone comes from their clubs into the national team, but I'm still pretty sure tomorrow we'll get things going and be successful in attack."

Victory over Paraguay would send Germany into the Round of 16, where a heavyweight showdown with France could await. But for Nagelsmann, there is only one focus.

"Tomorrow is no different. It's all about winning."