Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start in the team's opening World Cup match against Curaçao on Sunday, marking the 125th international appearance for the veteran shot-stopper.
Speaking 17 hours before kick-off in Houston, Nagelsmann said the match against World Cup debutants Curaçao could be compared to a "German Cup game" and a "David versus Goliath" scenario.
Four-time world champions Germany enter the group stage as clear favourites against Curaçao, a side largely shaped by Dutch influence, with Nagelsmann saying his target for his first World Cup match as coach is "the first three points."
At a news conference in Houston on Saturday evening, Nagelsmann said all 26 squad members were fit and available, adding: "And Manu will start."
The 40-year-old Neuer, who has recovered from calf problems, returns to the national team two years after initially stepping back from international football.
All 26 players participated in the final training session on Saturday morning at their base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The team departed for Houston later in the day.
Nagelsmann also confirmed that Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown, who is set to turn 23 shortly, will start at left-back in his World Cup debut. "He will play and start in this beautiful stadium," he said.
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala will also start, despite still working his way back to full fitness following a serious leg injury. Nagelsmann said Musiala still had "a few steps to go," but added that the player can only regain full form through match practice, stressing full confidence in him.
He echoed comments from former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus, who said Musiala is essential for a strong World Cup campaign.
Nagelsmann also played down comments by television pundits Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Müller about his future as Germany coach. During a World Cup broadcast, Klopp joked that "fortunately Julian Nagelsmann picks the team" before adding "for now," prompting laughter from Müller.
Asked about the remarks, Nagelsmann initially declined to comment. When pressed again, he said he did not think it was appropriate to discuss the matter and added that everyone should assess the situation for themselves. He declined to elaborate further.
Nagelsmann said he remained focused on his job and Germany's World Cup opener against Curaçao.
Germany lost their first match at the last two World Cups, against Mexico and Japan, respectively, and went out in the group stage at both events. The last victory in the first match was a 4-0 over Portugal in 2014 when Germany went on to win the title.
Germany completed training in sweltering heat, but match conditions will be much better despite a noon (1700 GMT) kick-off because the Houston stadium has a roof and air conditioning.
Germany's other group stage opponents are Ivory Coast on June 20 in Toronto and Ecuador on June 25 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
