Germany defenders Tah and Schlotterbeck are not underestimating Curacao but are feeling confident

Germany must secure a convincing victory over Curacao, as they are determined to begin the tournament emphatically following surprising first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022.

Curacao, a self-governing territory of the Netherlands, has a population just exceeding 150,000 and an area of 171 square miles (443 square km). Every player, as well as their coach Dick Advocaat, is a Dutch national. It is the smallest nation to have qualified for the World Cup.

"We held a team meeting yesterday about Curacao. They are a strong side with players educated in the Netherlands," Tah stated in a press conference.

"But we are the favourites, and I am confident that we will emerge victorious," he added.

Germany will also face Ivory Coast on 20 June and Ecuador in Group E.

"I see many high quality players in the Germany squad, many at the peak of their careers and a few competing in their final World Cup," said fellow Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck.

"It is a really good combination. Everyone is simply excited about it."

Germany will play in Houston under hot conditions, with temperatures forecast to be around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the players stated that their sole focus was on the opening match. They also claimed to feel absolutely no pressure ahead of their first game.

"There is no pressure. We are approaching this with confidence, and on Sunday we want to demonstrate our quality," Schlotterbeck remarked.

"We feel no need to prove ourselves to anyone following the two first-round exits in the World Cup," Schlotterbeck explained.

"We ought not to hide from anyone. We are a top, top, top side, and we have been displaying German virtues on the field once again after a very long period."

"We possess discipline, passion, and resilience, and if we demonstrate our German virtues, we will be in a strong position."