Havertz: 'Germany no longer world elite'
USA - Paraguay eliminate Germany in World Cup 2026 round of 16. Forward Kai Havertz admit poor play, say Germany no longer top team.
Gillette Stadium, June 29. Germany control 75% ball, shoot three times more (21-7). Not enough to beat Paraguay.
Julio Enciso header put Paraguay ahead minute 42. Havertz equalize early second half. South Americans defend strong, keep 1-1 through 90 minutes and extra time. Shootout: Havertz miss first penalty. Germany lose 3-4.
- Paraguay score opener.
Havertz accept blame, admit poor form, apologize to German fans. "My second World Cup, play bad again. Recent tournaments terrible. Only can say sorry," he say. "We disappointed. Feel it in dressing room. Had high hopes for tournament."
Havertz say Germany fail because Paraguay defend deep, leave no space. Germany struggle to attack fast, get stuck.
Forward, 27, say Germany try wing play, cross ball to equalize. Admit overall play not enough.
Forward Kai Havertz (7) try to pass defender Jose Canale (13) in Germany - Paraguay match, World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston, USA, June 29, 2026. Photo: AP
Germany historically successful: four World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), record three Euros (1972, 1980, 1996). But fail to reach round of 16 in last three World Cups. Out in group stage 2018, 2022.
Asked if Germany still top tier, Havertz say: "Seems not. Major tournaments, we play okay but miss something. Today same. Players must look at self, cannot blame coach."
Julio Enciso (19) celebrate opener in Paraguay win over Germany, World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA, June 29, 2026. Photo: AP
Enciso say Paraguay win because no fear against favored Germany. "Respect them, know players good, but fear no one," Strasbourg (Ligue 1) player say.
Paraguay might face France next (play Sweden in round of 16). Win mean Paraguay equal best World Cup run (quarterfinals 2010). Then, South Americans beat Japan on penalties, lose 0-1 to eventual champions Spain in quarterfinals.
Enciso admit big challenge ahead but say Paraguay not afraid. "France strong, top players," he say. "No need name them, everyone know stars. But we have strengths, try make it hard with team play."
- Germany equalize 1-1.
Coach Gustavo Alfaro praise players for great game, follow tactics, limit Germany control, win spot. Argentine coach admit hot weather in Massachusetts drain player energy.
"Intense match," Alfaro say. "Missed some things, but demand high. Heat make press, win ball drain energy. Win mean nothing without struggle. Shootout to sixth round, very dramatic."
- Paraguay decisive penalty.
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