Key facts
- Germany will start their FIFA World Cup campaign against Curacao.
- Germany has won its last nine matches.
- Curacao is the smallest nation to have qualified for the World Cup.
- Dick Advocaat will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78.
- Germany aims to win its group and advance in the knockout stages.
Germany is set to commence its FIFA World Cup campaign with a match against Curacao, aiming for a decisive victory to overcome recent early exits in the previous two tournaments. The four-time champions, who last won the World Cup in 2014, are not considered among the top favorites this year but are determined to start strong.
Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany enters the tournament on a nine-match winning streak, including recent friendly wins against the United States and Finland. Their opponents, Curacao, are the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, with most of their players competing in lower European leagues. Veteran coach Dick Advocaat, at 78, will become the oldest coach in World Cup history when he leads Curacao against Germany.
Advocaat acknowledged Germany as clear favorites but expressed excitement about the challenge. Germany's national team director, Rudi Voeller, stated that while they are not top favorites, securing an opening win is crucial for their goal of topping the group and asserting themselves in the knockout stages. He emphasized the importance of being a difficult team to beat and maintaining the positive momentum from their recent friendly victories.