World Cup 2026: Paraguay Lead Germany at Halftime (1-0)

This match pits two teams with contrasting strategies against each other. Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, are deploying a 4-2-3-1 heavily geared toward possession, while Paraguay, coached by Gustavo Alfaro, favor a more solid 4-1-4-1 setup, built on defensive discipline and speed on the counterattack.

During the first half, Germany dominated territorially with 78% possession and a total of 322 passes, 90% of them accurate. However, that control of the ball did not translate into dangerous chances, as the Germans failed to put any shot on target despite four attempts, mostly from distance. Paraguay, for their part, were more restrained in possession (22%) but direct and efficient, putting two of their three attempts on target and converting one of them into a goal.

The decisive goal came in the 42nd minute, when Julio Enciso, playing in attack, took advantage of a key pass from Matías Galarza to beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The goal makes Enciso Paraguay’s standout player, with a 7.6 rating at halftime. Galarza also stands out for his ability to organize play in midfield.

The German national team lines up with a defense made up of Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Joshua Kimmich and Nathaniel Brown, the latter absent from this match because of injury. The midfield combines the efforts of Félix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović and Leroy Sané. In attack, Florian Wirtz, Deniz Undav and Kai Havertz are trying to get around Paraguay’s solid organization, without success so far.

Germany – territorial dominance without attacking reward

Julian Nagelsmann has opted for a 4-2-3-1 with Manuel Neuer as the last line of defense. The back four is strengthened by Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger in the center. The midfield double pivot pairs Félix Nmecha with Aleksandar Pavlović to contain the opposition’s play and launch attacks. On the wings, Leroy Sané and Deniz Undav provide the creativity, while Kai Havertz carries the attacking responsibility up front. Despite their high share of possession and a 90% passing accuracy, Germany are struggling to find a breakthrough against a compact and disciplined Paraguay side.

Paraguay – efficiency and defensive solidity rewarded

Gustavo Alfaro has chosen a 4-1-4-1 system with Orlando Gill in goal and a well-organized defense featuring Juan Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, José Canale and Junior Alonso. Andrés Cubas shields the defense in midfield, while Miguel Almirón, Damián Bobadilla, Matías Galarza and Julio Enciso provide attacking service for Gabriel Ávalos up front. This setup has allowed Paraguay to stay compact while looking dangerous on their rare forays forward. Their efficiency has been rewarded with a goal in the 42nd minute against a Germany side that has the ball but lacks attacking inspiration.