Nagelsmann compares Curaçao test with DFB-Pokal first round tie

Julian Nagelsmann addressed media before Germany's opening World Cup fixture against Curaçao. The 2014 winners have been knocked out of the group stages in the past two editions. The former FC Bayern coach led Germany to Euros quarter-final in his first tournament.

“Sunday’s game is a bit like the first round of the DFB Pokal. You face a smaller team that has nothing to lose, and that makes every opponent dangerous,” Nagelsmann said in the pregame press conference. “Curaçao have a very experienced coach in Dick Advocaat. He will certainly have a plan. The most important thing in the first game of a major tournament is the three points. We want to play a good game, but the win is the most important for the confidence.”

Nagelsmann talked about the positive atmosphere around the squad as he confirmed starts for Manuel Neuer, Nathaniel Brown and Jamal Musiala. "The guys trained well and gave everything despite the heat. The atmosphere is very good. I'm very confident for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting started.”