Germany vs Curacao Predicted Lineups & Team News

David meets Goliath at the NRG Stadium on Sunday evening (6pm BST, live on ITV), as Germany take on Curaçao in an intriguing Group E opener.

Which players will the managers pick, though? Let’s investigate the team news, key players, and predicted lineups ahead of Germany vs. Curaçao.

Germany

Despite deservedly commanding immense respect on the international stage, Germany’s recent record leaves plenty to be desired. In addition to falling well short of expectations at both of the last two European Championships, Die Mannschaft crashed out at the World Cup group stage in 2018 and 2022.

Nevertheless, the four-time world champions are considered to have a decent chance of securing silverware this summer. Julian Nagelsmann’s men lost just once throughout the entire qualification campaign, a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava on the opening matchday.

Perhaps the most notable inclusion in Germany’s World Cup squad was veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who abandoned his international retirement following a strong season between the sticks for Bayern Munich.

There is plenty of Premier League talent among the German ranks, with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross, Florian Wirtz of Liverpool, and Newcastle United duo Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade all involved.

Curacao

One of four World Cup debutants alongside Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, CONCACAF minnows Curaçao are the smallest nation to ever compete in FIFA’s flagship competition.

At 78 years of age, Dick Advocaat is set to become the World Cup’s oldest ever manager when he sits in the opposite dugout to Julian Nagelsmann, who is conversely the youngest in charge at this summer’s tournament.

The former Rangers boss stepped down from his ninth international role in February due to his daughter’s illness, resulting in fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten taking the reins.

However, Rutten resigned from his position just as the health of Advocaat’s daughter showed notable signs of improvement, paving the way for a dramatic return.

Expect Curaçao to set up in a 4-1-2-3 system, with their width coming from two advanced wingers on either side of powerful centre-forward Jürgen Locadia.

Burnley’s Shurandy Sambo will likely occupy the right-hand side of defence, while Rotherham United winger Ar'jany Martha is often used as an impact substitute.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Germany vs Curacao Odds over on betfred.com

Germany vs Curacao Key Players:

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

Despite having only celebrated his 31st birthday in February, this will be Joshua Kimmich’s fifth appearance in a major international tournament.

In his capacity as captain, the Bayern Munich star provides leadership, industry, and no shortage of positional versatility. Although he’s developed into one of Europe’s best box-to-box midfielders for his club side, Kimmich reverts to his previous role of full-back when representing his country.

Essential to Nagelsmann’s overtly attacking set-up, Kimmich’s discipline and tactical intelligence give Germany’s flair players the freedom to express themselves.

Tahith Chong (Curaçao)

Quite astonishingly, Tahith Chong is the only player in Advocaat’s squad who was born in Curaçao.

Thanks to the recent softening of FIFA’s eligibility rules, the island nation - which is classed as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands - has drafted in a deluge of Dutch-born players with Curaçaoan heritage.

Chong may have only featured six times for his homeland, but he’s already had a notable influence. The Sheffield United playmaker had a hand in all three goals during Curaçao’s crucial qualifying victory over Bermuda, before netting the opener against Scotland in a 4-1 defeat at Hampden. Had he not torn his meniscus last autumn, the 26-year-old would likely boast a double-digit international cap tally.

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