Germany Faces Debutants Curaçao in World Cup Opener

Four-time World Cup champions Germany kick off their campaign against newcomer Curaçao in Houston. The match marks the start of Germany's effort to rebound from disappointing first-round exits in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann stressed that the team's success hinges significantly on the performance of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "We trust him a lot," Nagelsmann stated. "In order to have a good World Cup we need Manuel in top performance and we think he can do that." Neuer, who had been regaining his rhythm after a period without consistent play, is set to start, with Nagelsmann confident in his ability to perform at a high level.

“

We trust him a lot. In order to have a good World Cup we need Manuel in top performance and we think he can do that. He didn't have the rhythm but now he has found the rhythm.

Nagelsmann downplayed questions about Germany not being considered among the top favorites this year. "When we take a look at the last two World Cups we didn’t perform in a good way so we won’t be mentioned as a favourite for this tournament," he said. "It is our job to do a perfect World Cup now and then we will be a favourite for the next World Cup."

The starting lineup sees Manuel Neuer, the sole remaining player from Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, making his return after a two-year international hiatus and a recent recall. He replaces Oliver Baumann as the starting goalkeeper. Jamal Musiala is included despite inconsistent form, while top Bundesliga scorer Deniz Undav begins on the bench. Curaçao's lineup features the experienced Tahith Chong.

“

When we take a look at the last two World Cups we didn’t perform in a good way so we won’t be mentioned as a favourite for this tournament. It is our job to do a perfect World Cup now and then we will be a favourite for the next World Cup.