BOSTON, Massachusetts: Germany will look to start their World Cup campaign with a big win over Curacao, with the four-time champions out to repair their damaged international reputation following first-round exits in the previous two editions.
The Germans, who won the 2014 edition, have set their sights on a fifth world title even though they do not see themselves as among the favourites this year.They could not have hoped for easier first opponents than minnows Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup. Ecuador and Ivory Coast complete Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany are on a nine-match winning run, including a 4-0 victory over Finland in their last friendly at home on May 31 and a 2-1 win over World Cup co-hosts the United States six days ago.
Curacao are rank outsiders, with most of their players plying their trade in the Netherlands or in lower European leagues.But veteran coach Dick Advocaat, who at 78 will become the oldest coach in World Cup history, relishes facing Germany in their tournament start.
“Germany are of course clear favourites in the group,” Advocaat said. “They are still a big footballing country. Starting off against Germany is fantastic. We will find out immediately where we stand.”
Advocaat knows there is a massive gap in quality, which Germany, with world-class players like Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Manuel Neuer, want to take advantage of to get their tournament off to a winning start.
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES
Haiti vs Scotland
6:00 am PST
Australia vs Turkiye
9:00 am PST
Germany vs Curaçao
10:00 pmPST
