Roque Santa Cruz urges Paraguay to play physically against Germany in World Cup round of 16

Paraguay’s all‑time leading scorer, 44‑year‑old Roque Santa Cruz, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that his nation should adopt a robust, physically intense approach in the upcoming World Cup round‑of‑16 match against Germany in Foxborough. He said Paraguay must force Germany to work hard, hoping high temperatures will favor his side. Santa Cruz, a former Bayern Munich striker who won the 2001 Champions League and now plays for Club Nacional in Asunción, warned that Germany’s team under coach Julian Nagelsmann is most vulnerable during quick transition moments, despite its dominant possession and wing play.

He noted that Germany’s strength lies in ball control and pressing deep, but they can be exposed by fast counter‑attacks with speed and precision. Santa Cruz recalled Paraguay’s own experience in the 2002 knockout stage, stressing that as outsiders they have less to lose and should exploit any lapses in Germany’s defensive shape.