A. Pavlović
Bayern München · UEFA Nations League · Midfielder · #45 · Germany · 21 yrs
A. Pavlović news
Why isn’t Nico Schlotterbeck playing for Germany against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?
Germany face Paraguay in the Round of 32. Although they are considered one of the top contenders, their recent defeat to Ecuador has raised serious defensive concerns. Adding to that concern, head coach Julian Nagelsmann will be without Nico Schlotterbeck. Germany established as top contenders, after their strong impact in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup. However, they are coming off a surprising defeat to Ecuador, which raised serious doubts about their defense. Ahead of the Round of 32 match against Paraguay, head coach Julian Nagelsmann will be without Nico Schlotterbeck, creating even more concern as they lose their undisputed leader at the back. After suffering a medial ligament injury in his left ankle against Ivory Coast, Nico Schlotterbeck will be absent from Germany’s defensive line. Unlike other cases in the tournament, he will not return to the national team, as his recovery is reportedly expected to take two months. As a result, head coach Julian Nagelsmann loses his defensive leader for one of Germany’s most important matches of the 2026 World Cup. Julian Nagelsmann will not be able to replace Schlotterbeck in Germany’s 2026 World Cup roster, as the deadline to do so has already passed. As a result, they will have to rely on Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Malick Thiaw, and Waldemar Anton as alternatives in defense. Nevertheless, Nico has decided to remain with the national team, staying with the squad and offering support as a leader in the dressing room. While Paraguay are not a brilliant attacking team, they could cause significant problems for Julian Nagelsmann’s team through their aerial play. There, Nico Schlotterbeck’s absence could be felt greatly, as he is one of the tallest players in the defensive line. In addition, they will also be without his outstanding ability to play out from the back, something that very few defenders in the squad can offer, forcing structural changes. The German national team Who will take Schlotterbeck spot in Germany’s defense vs Paraguay? After the evident defensive problems against Ecuador, Germany arrive with major warning signs ahead of their match against Paraguay. Because of this, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to continue with Antonio Rüdiger as Jonathan Tah’s ideal partner. Although both are very experienced players, they are not as impressive in building out from the back as Nico Schlotterbeck. With less effectiveness in playing out from the back, Germany will rely on Joshua Kimmich as constant support for the defensive line. However, Aleksandar Pavlović will have to take on a more important role in progressing the ball, as he is the strongest in that aspect. Facing a very solid defensive line, the defense will have to play a key role, looking for through balls or trying to gain an advantage through aerial play.
Germany vs Paraguay confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
Germany and Ecuador are clashing at Boston Stadium in the 2026 World Cup, with both teams going all out for a place in the Round of 16. Germany is set to square off against Paraguay on Monday, June 29th, in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at Boston Stadium. As Die Mannschaft launches its pursuit of a fifth World Cup title, the South American underdogs will go all out to keep their tournament dream alive on the game’s biggest stage. Germany enters the knockout stage following a group stage campaign that included dominant wins over Curacao (7-1) and the Ivory Coast (2-1), alongside a shocking 2-1 upset at the hands of Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever defeated them in the group stage. After snapping their post-2014 curse to finally advance past the opening round, the Germans are now focused on restoring the program to its traditional powerhouse status. Paraguay, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers. La Albirroja rebounded from a heavy 4-1 loss against the USMNT to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Turkey and a gritty, scoreless draw against Australia. Competing in their first World Cup in 16 years, the South American side is aiming to replicate their historic 2010 run, which saw them reach the quarterfinals. In a major boost for Paraguay, star playmaker Miguel Almiron returns to head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s starting XI. The Atlanta United star was issued a costly red card during the group stage match against Turkey, forcing him to sit out the group finale against Australia due to a one-game suspension. With his ban now served, Almirón slides right back into the lineup to spearhead La Albirroja‘s attack. Juan Jose Caceres of Paraguay battles for the ball with Aziz Behich of Australia. Nagelsmann calls for a ‘perfect match’ against Paraguay Having conceded just twice during the group stage, Paraguay rode a resilient, defense-first identity into the knockout rounds, presenting a structural blueprint that will be incredibly difficult to break down. For Nagelsmann, navigating this defensive minefield means Germany will need to execute flawless football to avoid another unexpected setback. During Sunday’s pregame press conference, Nagelsmann broke down Paraguay’s direct, physical approach and issued a clear directive to his squad: “They try to stay compact, win their duels, and look to contest the second balls. When they win that second ball, they play direct, trying to look for space in behind. They have very good players, they defend well, and they are strong, physical footballers. We need a perfect match tomorrow.” Confirmed lineups for Germany and Paraguay Germany’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz; Deniz Undav.Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann. Paraguay’s confirmed lineup (4-5-1): Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso; Miguel Almiron, Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Matias Galarza Fonda, Julio Enciso; Gabriel Avalos.Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro.
Ecuador vs Germany: Confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group E game
Germany and Ecuador face each other in their last match of Group E. While Julian Nagelsmann’s team have showcased their top contender status, Sebastian Beccacece’s team are still chasing their knockout stage spot. Here are the confirmed lineups for both sides. Germany face Ecuador in their last clash of Group E, chasing an unbeaten path to the Round of 32. While Julian Nagelsmann’s team have managed to shine, Sebastian Beccacece’s team need a victory to keep dreaming of a knockout-stage spot, as their 2026 World Cup future is at risk. As the final clash before the next round, both sides have decided to field their best lineup, promising a great match. While head coach Sebastian Beccacece managed to build a fairly solid team during the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Ecuador have failed to shine at the 2026 World Cup. After losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curaçao, they arrive for the match against Germany with an urgent need to secure a victory. To do so, they could maintain their tactical approach, trusting that Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata improve their goalscoring output. Despite arriving with several uncertainties, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has managed to elevate Germany into a favorite to win the title. Relying on a very impressive possession-based style of play, Deniz Undav has emerged as the team’s offensive leader, but Kai Havertz is again a starter. Jamal Musiala and Felix Nmecha have been key, leading the creative side of the game. In addition, Jonathan Tah and Joshua Kimmich have excelled in the defensive phase. Ecuador confirmed lineup vs Germany Ecuador arrive at the match needing a victory against Germany to keep dreaming of the Round of 32. Head coach Sebastian Beccacece will maintain his offensive approach, led by Gonzalo Plata and the veteran Enner Valencia. In addition, Moisés Caicedo will be the leader of the midfield, looking to limit their opponent. In defense, Willian Pacho will remain the undisputed leader of the back line. Sebastian Beccacece, Head Coach of Ecuador interacts with Pedro Vite and Moises Caicedo of Ecuador. With this in mind, Ecuador will play as follows: Hernán Galíndez; Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié; Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite; John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia. Germany confirmed lineup vs Ecuador After arriving in excellent winning form, Germany come in as the clear favorites to secure a victory against Ecuador. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann will be unable to count on Nathaniel Brown or Nico Schlotterbeck due to injuries. As a result, David Raum and Antonio Rüdiger will start. Despite Deniz Undav’s outstanding form, Kai Havertz will be the striker once again, with Jamal Musiala as attacking midfielder. Considering this, Germany will lineup as follows: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, David Raum; Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha; Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz; Kai Havertz.
Germany v Côte d’Ivoire: World Cup 2026 – live
⚽️ World Cup kick-off: 4pm local time/9pm BST/6am AEST⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Email WillGermany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; HavertzSubs: Amiri, Anton, Baumann, Beier, Goretzka, Gross, Leweling, Nubel, Ouedraogo, Raum, Rüdiger, Stiller, Thiaw, Undav Continue reading...
The 2026 World Cup: Five Young Stars to Watch
The shape of a World Cup is never defined solely by its established icons. Beneath the glare that follows familiar superstars, a new generation always emerges—players who arrive with raw momentum, ambition, and the sense that the tournament could mark the beginning of something much larger. The 2026 World Cup, expanded in scale and global […] The post The 2026 World Cup: Five Young Stars to Watch appeared first on Soccer News.