Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has said that the real tests are yet to come at the World Cup and that the opening 7-1 against Curaçao was no real indication of what the team is capable of.
“We played our first match against an opponent who aren’t at world-class level. We have some some real tests ahead of us that will show us where we stand,” Kimmich told a news conference on Tuesday.
Germany play Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto and a final group match against Ecuador on June 25 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
More defensive cover
"We need to work on our stability and concede fewer goals,” Kimmich urged, saying that Curaçao temporary equalizer should have never happened.
Kimmich said that "defensive cover" remains an important issue as he warned that Ivory Coast have "spectacular players" like yougster Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and that the physical challenges will increase by the time they face Ecuador.
But Kimmich also insisted that "we have the quality to hurt both opponents."
Kimmich was speaking on the team's day off as players were visited by family members at their base camp. However, Kimmich's wife and their four children won't arrive until after the Ecuador match.
A victory against Ivory Coast will meanwhile already guarantee a place in the knock-out rounds the four-time champions failed to reach at the last two editions in 2018 and 2022.
First time for knock-outs?
Kimmich played in those two tournaments and is thus keen finally got out of the group in his third attempt.
“It’s not really about making amends at all. We know how the last few tournaments went. I know. It’s a new opportunity,” he said.
Germany lost their opening matches in 2018 and 2022, and seeing others like Spain or Brazil struggle this time, he said: "It’s not a given to get off to such a convincing start.
”I am extremely happy to be allowed to play a World Cup. It is the greatest thing as a footballer to represent your country," he said.
Kimmich, 31, has 111 caps and been praised "a role model" and "my leader" by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Sané backing
In this role, Kimmich backed forward Leroy Sané who came under criticism again in Sunday's match when he wasted a huge chance. Critics say that Deniz Undav, who had a goal and two assists after coming on, should play in Sané's place.
"To be honest, I don’t really understand it. I thought he was extremely committed." Kimmich said of Sané.
"Of course it’s great when he scores three goals every game, but there are other roles he has to fulfil.
“When I looked at Leroy’s body language – something he’s occasionally criticised for – it was actually positive throughout. And when I see how happy he is when we score goals – that’s always very, very noticeable with Leroy.”
Chancellor calling
Kimmich also revealed he doesn't have the mobile number of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called the team last week to wish them well, with Kimmich among the players appearing in a video of the call.
"It wasn't an intimate call," Kimmich said.
"It’s more about the message that people are saying, ‘Yes, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for you from home.’ That’s exactly what we really need. Lots and lots of people keeping their fingers crossed for us, which is why we’re naturally delighted when the Chancellor takes the time to give us a quick call,”
