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Football World Cup: The 'Flag Bearer': Kimmich's Brand New World Cup Feeling
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

Football World Cup: The 'Flag Bearer': Kimmich's Brand New World Cup Feeling

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Joshua Kimmich is leading Germany's national football team as captain for the first time at his third World Cup.
  • Germany secured a dominant 7-1 victory against Curaçao in their opening match, a new positive start for Kimmich after previous opening losses.
  • The team is now focusing on upcoming challenging matches against strong opponents like Ivory Coast, with Kimmich emphasizing the opportunity rather than dwelling on past tournament failures.

Joshua Kimmich is embracing a new feeling at his third World Cup, captaining the German national football team for the first time. This tournament has begun with an unfamiliar positive start for Kimmich, as Germany secured a resounding 7-1 victory against Curaçao in their opening match. This contrasts sharply with his previous World Cup experiences in 2018 and 2022, where Germany lost their opening games.

The two opponents who are coming now are really, really good. They have unbelievable physicality, a lot of speed, and many top players.

— Julian NagelsmannCoach Nagelsmann's assessment of Germany's upcoming World Cup opponents.

Despite the comfortable win, the team and Kimmich are already looking ahead to more significant challenges. "The two opponents who are coming now are really, really good. They have unbelievable physicality, a lot of speed, and many top players," said coach Julian Nagelsmann, referring to upcoming matches, including a tough test against Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann's staff and scouts are intensely analyzing the opponents, including Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Jo Kimmich is the flag bearer for us all.

— Rudi VöllerSporting Director Völler describing Kimmich's leadership role.

Kimmich, described by Sporting Director Rudi Völler as the "flag bearer" for the team, is seen as a crucial leader. Coach Nagelsmann calls him "my leader" and a "role model." While this World Cup has started on a high note, Kimmich is keen to avoid dwelling on past disappointments. "It's not about making amends at all. We know how the last tournaments were. I know it. It's a new chance," he stated, acknowledging his role in previous failures but focusing on the present opportunity.

It's not about making amends at all. We know how the last tournaments were. I know it. It's a new chance.

— Joshua KimmichKimmich's perspective on the current World Cup and past failures.

Initially, Kimmich appeared somewhat unsettled in the first half against Curaçao, showing uncharacteristic fumbles. However, he returned to his typical form in the second half, providing assists for goals by Jamal Musiala and Deniz Undav. "I am extremely happy to be able to play in a World Cup," Kimmich had said before the tournament, emphasizing that it is "the greatest thing there is as a footballer" to represent his country.

I am extremely happy to be able to play in a World Cup. It is the greatest thing there is as a footballer.

— Joshua KimmichKimmich expressing his joy and pride in participating in the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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