Germany expected to easily overcome Curacao

Germany is heavily favored to win their opening match against Curacao in Group E, with Die Mannschaft boasting superior experience and quality over their opponents. Most Curacao players compete in the Netherlands or lower European leagues.

The four-time world champions are not only seeking an initial victory but also aiming to rebound on the international stage after disappointing first-round exits in the last two World Cups. While not considered among the top contenders for the trophy this year, Julian Nagelsmann's squad harbors ambitions for a fifth world title.

Germany enters the match with strong momentum, having secured nine consecutive wins. They recently thrashed Finland 4-0 in a friendly on May 31 and defeated co-host United States 2-1 the previous week. "We are not among the main candidates, perhaps there are three or four other teams that are more favored. But we know how important it is to start the tournament with a win," said Nagelsmann. "We want to emerge as group winners and carry that momentum into the knockout stage. There is no discussion about anything else, that is our goal. The two wins in the last friendlies have given us confidence, and we want to maintain it here."

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We are not among the main candidates, perhaps there are three or four other teams that are more favored. But we know how important it is to start the tournament with a win. We want to emerge as group winners and carry that momentum into the knockout stage. There is no discussion about anything else, that is our goal. The two wins in the last friendlies have given us confidence, and we want to maintain it here.

With Ecuador and Ivory Coast also in Group E, Germany is the clear favorite to advance to the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, experienced Curacao coach Dick Advocaat expressed excitement about facing the European giants in his team's first World Cup. "Germany is certainly the favorite in this group. They are still a major force in world football. They have a lineup of experienced players compared to us," Advocaat stated. "Starting the tournament against Germany is something great. We will know our true level as soon as the match begins."

Advocaat, 78, is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history. He acknowledged the significant quality gap between the two teams. This record was previously held by South Africa's Hugo Broos, who was 74 during his team's match against Mexico, and then briefly by Czech Republic's Miroslav Koubek, also 74 but a few months older. Advocaat took over Curacao in January 2024 and guided the team to score 28 goals in 10 qualifying matches, the highest tally among CONCACAF teams.

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Germany is certainly the favorite in this group. They are still a major force in world football. They have a lineup of experienced players compared to us. Starting the tournament against Germany is something great. We will know our true level as soon as the match begins.