This is Germany’s redemption World Cup. The four-time champions failed to get past the group stage in the last two editions. This group, on paper, looks like a cruise for the giants. But then, they won’t take anything for granted.
GROUP E
GERMANY
Fixtures
Vs Curacao, June 14, 22.30
Vs Ivory Coast, June 21, 01.30
Vs Ecuador, June 26, 01.30
Previous best
Champions in 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014.
How they qualified
Lost to Slovakia in their opening qualifier in Group A. They posted five straight victories after that, including a 6-0 hammering of Slovakia in the last match, to top the group.
Key player
Nick Woltemade. The forward-cum-attacking midfielder scored four goals and provided an assist. The Newcastle United player scored crucial goals against Northern Ireland (1-0) and Luxembourg (2-0).
Coaching credentials
Julian Nagelsmann became the most expensive football manager when Bayern Munich hired him for £21.7 million in 2021. He took charge of the national team in 2023. Aged 38, he must be one of the youngest managers at the World Cup.
Likely breakthrough star
Florian Wirtz. The Liverpool midfielder is one of the best from that part of the pitch in an attacking role. Traditionally, midfield has been Germany’s core area of competence in victorious World Cup campaigns. This time, they have an able general in that position.
Realistic expectations
The first aim should be to clear the group stage, which they failed to do in 2018 and 2022. After that, anything can happen. Once they get going, the Germans are ruthless and fearsome opponents.
ECUADOR
Fixtures
Vs Ivory Coast, June 15, 04.30
Vs Curacao, June 21. 05.30
Vs Germany, June 26, 01.30
Previous best
Pre-quarters in Germany in 2006.
How they qualified
Ecuador made it to the World Cup for the fifth time by finishing second in the South American qualifiers, behind world champions Argentina.
Key player
Enner Valencia. The 36-year-old forward accounted for six of the 14 goals Ecuador scored in the qualifiers. That’s significant in a team which got those goals in 18 outings.
Coaching credentials
Sebastian Beccacece took over after Ecuador had played six matches in the qualifiers. Under the Argentine, this team won five, drew six and lost one. The wins included one in Colombia and another at home against Argentina. His team has not scored many, but conceded just twice in 12 games.
Likely breakthrough star
He is not new to the World Cup. This will be his third after 2014 and 2022. He is Enner Valencia again. He is his country’s leading scorer in the World Cup with six goals. The forward with club experience in England, Brazil and Turkey is his country’s biggest star.
Realistic expectations
Despite bagging four points from three matches in 2022, they crashed out from the group stage. In 2006, they lost to Germany and advanced as the second team in the group. That’s the least they will expect this time.
IVORY COAST
Fixtures
Vs Ecuador, June 15, 04.30
Vs Germany, June 21, 01.30
Vs Curacao, June 26, 01.30
Previous best
Qualified in 2006, 2010, 2014. Didn’t get past the group stage.
How they qualified
Secured top place in Group F of the qualifiers. Their 9-0 win against Seychelles is the biggest in African qualifying history.
Key player
This team didn’t concede even one goal in the 10 qualifying matches. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was on duty in nine of those.
Coaching credentials
Emerse Fae was born in France and represented the country at the junior level before playing for the Ivory Coast senior team. His team won eight of the 10 qualifying games, scored 25 goals and conceded none.
Likely breakthrough star
Amad Diallo. The 23-year-old midfielder plays for Manchester United. He has a knack of scoring goals.
Realistic expectations
Given that the top two from every group will qualify along with eight third-placed teams, Ivory Coast would be disappointed if they don’t make it to the knockouts.
CURACAO
Fixtures
Vs Germany, June 14, 22.30
Vs Ecuador, June 21, 05.30
Vs Ivory Coast, June 26, 01.30
Previous best
This is their first World Cup appearance.
How they qualified
Topped Group B in Concacaf qualifiers. Smallest nation —population of 150,000, and land area of 171 square miles — to qualify for the World Cup.
Key player
Let’s make it key players. Leandro Bacuna, Juninho Bacunha and Tahith Chong were some of the standout performers in the qualifiers.
Coaching credentials
There’s a big name there in Dick Advocaat. The illustrious Dutchman, who took charge in January 2024, is set to become the oldest ever coach at the World Cup. He is 78. His team netted 28 goals in 10 qualifying games.
Likely breakthrough star
This being a team of which little is known, everybody can be a star. It’s their chance to make a name for themselves.
Realistic expectations
Be competitive. Don’t expect too much. Cause an upset if possible.
GROUP PREDICTION
1 Germany
2 Ecuador
3 Ivory Coast
4 Curacao
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