Germany have advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 2014, and forward Kai Havertz says the team felt a duty not to fail early again. "We knew we had a duty not to fail early on again. We are Germany. But now the tournament is really just beginning," Havertz said.
Germany Top Group E for First Knockout Berth Since 2014
Germany have already been confirmed winners of Group E, bouncing back from group stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. In Qatar 2022, Havertz scored twice against Costa Rica but Germany still tumbled out. "Qatar was anything but successful for us as a team and for me personally," Havertz said. "There's a different energy in our squad now. I was quickly convinced that things would go better this year."
Havertz Reflects on Arsenal's Champions League Final Loss and Trophy Parade
Havertz recalled the cocktail of feelings after Arsenal's Champions League final loss in Budapest three-and-a-half weeks ago. Arsenal lost agonisingly, but the next day they had a Premier League trophy parade around Islington. "To be honest, it was tough," Havertz said. "After the match, I initially thought we would call the whole thing off. By the next morning, things looked different." The parade proved resoundingly appropriate. "We had a huge season behind us. The club had gone 22 years without a league title so that had to be celebrated properly with the fans. I have to say I've never experienced anything like it. So many people on the streets, so many supporting us. It ranks among my top three experiences as a professional," he said.
Germany's Momentum Building at World Cup Base
Havertz is speaking at Germany's World Cup base in Winston, North Carolina, where a sense of momentum is building. Germany managed 42 shots across matches against Curaçao and Côte d'Ivoire. "We radiate a real joy in playing," Havertz said. "We move a lot, play offensively and create scoring chances. And we bounce back after conceding goals." Havertz scored twice against Curaçao, including a penalty and a neatly-dinked late finish. He has 24 goals from 60 caps for Germany and is established as Julian Nagelsmann's starting centre-forward.
Havertz's Unique Role and Selflessness
Havertz describes himself as a "ghost" to defenders. "Defenders should never know where I am, where I'm going, what I'm planning, or where I'll be at any given moment. That's the worst for them. I try to be like a ghost to defenders," he said. He also makes runs that may look pointless but create space for teammates. "I can't just wait around in the penalty area, I need to be involved. I also make runs which I know sometimes look pointless, but I'm creating space for the players coming up behind me," he said.
Havertz Addresses Criticism and Body Language Debates
Havertz is aware of debates that he is too laid back or his body language is wrong. "I'm aware of the debates that I'm too laid back or my body language is wrong. That always comes up when I'm not playing well. But I'm not the sort of person who dwells on it too much. It used to be different. I don't brood on things any more," he said. Nonetheless, nerves occasionally strike. "I know it doesn't show from the outside, but I feel it. Before a Champions League final, or at a World Cup. Or before penalties. I need that tension to stay focused," he said.
Germany's World Cup Campaign and Havertz's Fitness
Germany face a last-16 showdown with France. Havertz is fit after a season derailed by knee surgery and a hamstring injury. "The last year and a half has gone badly for me," he said. He was in the Germany team that narrowly fell to Spain in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024. He says the atmosphere in North America is even higher-octane. "The atmosphere is amazing. I was really excited before the Euros in Germany, too. A World Cup is even bigger. There's incredible energy in the stadiums," he said.
A Life Lesson in Perseverance
When Havertz was 17 and gearing up for stardom at Bayer Leverkusen, he wanted to drop out of school and forgo the Abitur. A staff member at his club put him straight. "At 17, you don't think you need school any more. At that age, you also don't think about injuries or how things can suddenly take a completely different turn. It was a life lesson for me: seeing things through to the end instead of just quitting," he said.
