Germany's man for the big occasion is ready to shoot down Paraguay

The man for the big occasion, the Arsenal star has netted in two Champions League finals and headed to North America buoyed by winning the Premier League with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Tonight, Paraguay stand in the way as Die Mannschaft look to advance to the last 16 — and Havertz is ready to step up to the plate once again.

He told FIFA: “In general, I just like bigger occasions. I don't know why! I just feel comfortable.

“I hope I can continue that streak on the biggest stage at the World Cup.

“Of course, [my confidence] comes always from the hard work, from believing in your own abilities. That's what I try to do when I go on the pitch and I hope I can do that again."

Havertz, 27, netted twice against Curacao as Germany opened their Group E campaign with a 7-1 win.

He fired blanks in the 2-1 success over Ivory Coast and also didn’t pack his shooting boots for the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last Thursday.

But with six points from nine enough to secure top spot in their group, Julian Nagelsmann’s men are confident of overcoming Paraguay.

Havertz added: “We will need to be at 100 per cent. Every action counts, every action is important.

“In the last days, you were able to see how hungry the boys are. I’m optimistic that it is going to be a very good match."

Nagelsmann, 38, knows his players are in for a tough evening but is keen to ensure they live up to expectations by making it through the round of 32 unscathed.

He said: “When you talk about a German national team, it's all about trying to win every game.

“To deal with expectations, it's about having good self-confidence and [as a coach] trying to give the players a good plan so they can feel comfortable on the pitch.

“We want them to be able to do the right things, show what they are and win the game. It's all about winning.

“Paraguay defend well — they stay in a compact way. They fight for the second balls and have strong physical presence.

“They are uncomfortable opponents for us. We need a perfect game.”

If Germany do manage to produce exactly that, the chances are Havertz’s name will be on the scoresheet.

DAZN/FIFA

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