Neuer fit for Germany as Curaçao's World Cup debut looms

Neuer expected to start against Curaçao on Sunday

Manuel Neuer has recovered from injury and trained fully for the first time, with Julian Nagelsmann expected to name him in Germany's starting lineup for Sunday's World Cup opener against Curaçao (2). The legendary keeper had been a doubt, but his return significantly strengthens an already formidable German side. Backup Oliver Baumann acknowledged the difficulty of the situation: "Sim, foi difícil no início, claro. Não foi exatamente uma sensação agradável. Prefiro não comentar por enquanto" (2). Germany are not taking Curaçao lightly – they want their best XI on the pitch from the first whistle.

Germany confirm Sunday evening kickoff

Curaçao's World Cup debut is set: Sunday evening, 19:00 local time, against Germany (1). The match kicks off Group A for both nations. Germany's media and fans are already debating Nagelsmann's lineup, with kicker running polls on who starts alongside the returning Neuer (1). The narrative from the German press is clear – they see this as a straightforward opener. Dick Advocaat and his squad arrive as the smallest nation to ever qualify, with nothing to lose.