Germany have advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 2014, with forward Kai Havertz playing a key role. The four-time champions topped Group E after a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao and a late win over Côte d'Ivoire, amassing 42 shots across the two matches.
Havertz Reflects on Arsenal's Emotional Parade
Speaking at Germany's base in Winston, North Carolina, Havertz recalled the mixed emotions after Arsenal's Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain three weeks ago. Despite the defeat, he joined the Premier League trophy parade the next day. 'To be honest, it was tough,' he said. 'After the match, I initially thought we would call the whole thing off. By the next morning, things looked different.' The parade through Islington drew massive crowds. 'We had a huge season behind us. The club had gone 22 years without a league title so that had to be celebrated properly. I've never experienced anything like it. It ranks among my top three experiences as a professional.'
Germany's New Energy After Early Exits
Germany were eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, adding pressure this year. '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. We knew we had a duty not to fail early on again. We are Germany. But now the tournament is really just beginning.' The team has shown resilience, bouncing back after conceding goals. 'We radiate a real joy in playing. We move a lot, play offensively and create scoring chances.'
Havertz's Unique Role and Ghost-like Movement
Havertz, 27, has 24 goals from 60 caps and is established as Julian Nagelsmann's starting centre-forward. He describes his style: 'Defenders should never know where I am, where I'm going, what I'm planning, or where I'll be at any given moment. I try to be like a ghost to defenders.' He also emphasizes selflessness: 'I make runs which I know sometimes look pointless, but I'm creating space for the players coming up behind me.'
Criticism and Body Language Debates
Havertz acknowledges debates about his perceived laid-back demeanor. '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.' He admits to pre-game nerves: '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.'
World Cup Atmosphere and Hydration Breaks
Havertz notes the high-energy environment in North America. 'The atmosphere is amazing. A World Cup is even bigger than the Euros. There's incredible energy in the stadiums.' He is not a fan of FIFA's hydration breaks. 'They're usually annoying, especially when you've just had two or three good situations and feel your flow is being interrupted.'
A Life Lesson in Perseverance
Reflecting on his youth, Havertz recalls wanting to drop out of school at 17. A staff member at Bayer Leverkusen convinced him otherwise. 'It was a life lesson for me: seeing things through to the end instead of just quitting.' That mindset now drives Germany's World Cup campaign.
