👀 Through to the knockouts, these are Germany's possible opponents

The first two group matches for the Germany national team are now history. The record shows two wins — a clear one against World Cup newcomers Curaçao and a very narrow victory over Ivory Coast.

As we all know, that means: Germany is definitely through to the knockout stage, and in any case as winners of Group E, because even if Germany lose and Ivory Coast draw level on six points with a win, the head-to-head result against the Ivorians counts.

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That means: Nagelsmann’s team will face a third-placed side from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on June 29.

We all know that FIFA’s system isn’t exactly easy to understand. Before the tournament, there were a whopping 495 possible combinations for which eight teams would finish as the best third-placed sides across the twelve groups.

According to FIFA, the teams that finish third in their respective groups are then ranked in a separate table after the group stage.

At the moment, the Germany team could still face 15 different opponents. The most likely: an opponent from Group C or D.

If the third-placed team from Group C ends up among the eight best third-placed sides, Scotland or Morocco would be candidates. But a clash with Ancelotti’s Brazilian ball artists is also quite realistic.

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In Group D, Australia or Paraguay can still finish third, while in Group F it could be the Netherlands, Sweden or Japan.

Exactly who Undav and Co. will face in their first do-or-die match of the World Cup will be decided at the latest once all the group matches have been played and it is clear who belongs to the eight best third-placed teams.

France could then be waiting in the round of 16.

What do you think? Who would you like to see the Germans face in the round of 32? Maybe there’ll be another crisp 7:1 — this time against Brazil again? Write it in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.