The Germans are in this group. Surely they get out of this one this time?
Time for Group E starring 4-time champs Germany, first-timers Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
Germany
The manager
Julian Nagelsmann. Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany has failed to get out of the group stage in the last two tournaments. Nagelsmann is hoping to buck that trend because they surely can’t go three straight World Cups without knockout stage play. This will be only his second major international competition (outside of the Nations League I guess) after reaching the quarter finals of Euro 2024.
Last World Cup
Maybe the less said about that, the better. Okay fine, they got knocked out at the group stage in 2022 for the second time in a row.
Who’s getting the goals
Much like Brazil, anyone could grab a few goals with the way they play. But you’d expect Kai Havertz to lead the charge after an amazing season with Arsenal. Deniz Undav has 3 in 3 for Germany this year so he knows where the goal is. Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz is primed and ready too.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Prey. Positive reviews? Check. Mixed response for the gameplay and story? Check. Gradually improving reputation? Check.
Curaçao
The manager
Dick Advocaat. Remember Dick Advocaat? He’s back—in World Cup form. I honestly didn’t realise he was still in management but here he is ready to bring the party.
Last World Cup
This is their first time (as either Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, or Territory of Curaçao).
Who’s getting the goals
If they’re getting any, you can expect former Manchester United striker Tahith Chong to be the frontrunner. Two of the Bacuna brothers are in the squad and have 31 international goals between them so we’ll see if there’ll be any sibling rivalry in terms of scoring.
If they were a video game, they would be…
A video game easter egg. You don’t expect to see it but you get a warm feeling knowing that it’s there. Not expected to be a greater part of the overall plan though.
Ivory Coast
The manager
Emerse Faé. There were shades of Roberto Di Matteo when Faé took over as caretaker manager in the middle of AFCON 2023 and then went onto win it, knocking out the holders in the process. He’s now looking to get them out of the group for the first time. Now’s a better time than any.
Last World Cup
2014. They beat Japan but missed qualification out of their group by a point, losing 2–1 to Greece who took their place.
Who’s getting the goals
Ange-Yoan Bonny only has one cap but he had a great season with Inter winning the Scudetto, scoring 7 and getting 9 assists. Evann Guessand is another trophy winner (with Crystal Palace) who’ll be in the reckoning. Also look out for Oumar Diakité and Amad Diallo (maybe).
If they were a video game, they would be…
Game and Watch. The iconic orange is unmistakable and while you might think its best days are behind it, maybe they can surprise people with enough consideration.`§
Ecuador
The manager
Sebastián Beccacece. Another Argentine in the dugout for a South American nation (the other being current Paraguay manager and former Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro). Since joining in 2024, he’s only lost 1 game but also drawn 11 so hopefully he can score one more than you to get them out of the group.
Last World Cup
2022. A win, a loss, and a draw in their group wasn’t enough to get them out.
Who’s getting the goals
Captain Enner Valencia in what is likely to be his last World Cup. Kevin Rodríguez had a monster season scoring 14 for Union SG after scoring just 5 goals in the two seasons before that (combined).
If they were a video game, they would be…
Splatoon. Bright and colourful, have misfired on occasions but not missed in their last 10. Just need to find more winning shots.