Germany have secured their passage to the World Cup knockout rounds as Group E winners, marking a significant turnaround after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Speaking from Germany's World Cup base in North Carolina, Kai Havertz emphasized the mental burden the team carried into the tournament. 'We knew we had a duty not to fail early on again. We are Germany. But now the tournament is really just beginning,' he said.
Havertz stressed the importance of disciplined, balanced play despite external pressure. 'No one has won the World Cup by forgetting about defending or by scoring four goals in every match,' the midfielder noted. 'This is reality. We must stay composed and focused on what the manager demands.' The four-time champions have rebuilt a cohesive unit under current management and are now positioned to mount a serious challenge in the knockout phase.
The Germany midfielder reflected on the psychological contrast between tournament football and club competition. 'Впереди долгий путь—there is a long path ahead,' Havertz said, highlighting that early group-stage success does not guarantee deeper tournament runs. Germany's performance in their opening fixtures has restored confidence in the dressing room after years of early disappointment.
Germany now enter the Round of 16 with momentum and clarity of purpose, having demonstrated both defensive solidity and controlled attacking play throughout their group campaign.
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