Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Germany are four-time champions making a remarkable 22nd appearance. After a shock group-stage exit in 2022, this tournament is about restoring the giants' standing under Julian Nagelsmann.
- Curaçao, a Caribbean island nation of roughly 150,000 people, reach their first-ever World Cup. Led by veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, they arrive as one of the great small-nation stories in the tournament's history.
- Germany's attack is driven by two 23-year-olds, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Both are next-generation stars rich in dribbling and creativity, and their combination play holds the key to unlocking a packed defence.
- In goal, 40-year-old Manuel Neuer starts. The legend who has long guarded Germany's net again marshals the back line, anchoring the team's experience alongside captain and right-back Joshua Kimmich (31).
- Curaçao's leader is 34-year-old captain Leandro Bacuna (formerly of Aston Villa). He lines up in midfield alongside his brother Juninho Bacuna, the team's record scorer, turning their wealth of European experience into a weapon for the island nation.
- Curaçao's goalkeeper is 37-year-old Eloy Room (MLS side Columbus Crew). While the veterans hold things together, the question is whether ex-Manchester United winger Tahith Chong (26) can threaten Germany's goal from the right.
- Germany set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Kai Havertz leading the line and Leroy Sané on the right. The intrigue is how a title-winning side of overwhelming individual quality imposes its game on debutants Curaçao.