Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has set an ambitious tone ahead of their World Cup campaign, speaking to Bild before today's Group E opener against Curaçao (20:00 MSK). "We want to make Germany proud again. This is our main goal. We know we represent our entire country here," Kimmich stated.
The Bayern Munich midfielder emphasised the unique atmosphere of playing for Germany at a major tournament. "Feeling that you're playing in a major tournament for Germany is completely different. We have an enormous opportunity to give Germany excitement and joy," he said. Kimmich also referenced the 2006 World Cup, which he witnessed as a child: "The positive energy in our team is very strong. If we give everything on the pitch, with determination and passion, we can perhaps pass on that energy to the entire country and provide the same impulse the 2006 World Cup created."
Germany faces Ecuador and Ivory Coast alongside Curaçao in Group E. Kimmich acknowledged the challenges ahead: "There will be moments where it's tough for us on the pitch. But knowing the country supports us can help us enormously."
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