National soccer team: Völler spreads confidence in Paraguay: “Faith is there”

Völler did not yet want to deal with subsequent top opponents such as possible opponents France, the Netherlands (quarter-finals) and Spain (semi-finals) in Winston-Salem. “Sure, there are nations that are among the top favorites. That includes France. But we’re not dealing with that now,” said the former DFB team boss.

Despite the dampening of the mood in the 1:2 defeat in the last group game against Ecuador, which is no longer important in the table, he believes the DFB team can do anything in America. “We have a team that can beat anyone on really good days, when they are really at their limit.”

Musiala, Wirtz and Havertz have to ignite now

However, the prerequisite for this is that the offensive aces Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz shine in the knockout games. “In order to achieve the really big goals, these players have to deliver. They also know that there is still room for improvement,” said former world-class striker Völler. Havertz (2 goals), Musiala (1) and Wirtz (0) scored as many times in the preliminary round as top joker Deniz Undav (3), who was always only a substitute.

It is unclear whether high-flyer Nathaniel Brown will be able to play again against Paraguay, who finished third in Group D behind the USA and Australia. “We all hope it works,” said Völler.

Hoping for Brown to return

The 23-year-old from Frankfurt, who is about to move to FC Bayern Munich, should train with the team again two days before the game after his adductor problems. Völler called Brown’s athletic development “breathtaking.”