Kimmich: Germany must leave past failures behind

Germany have not played a World Cup knockout match since winning the 2014 final, but Joshua Kimmich believes they can go far this year in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Joshua Kimmich admits that Germany’s recent World Cup disappointments have significantly affected how the team is viewed ahead of this summer’s competition. 

Nevertheless, the Bayern Munich midfielder insists they must let go of the past if they are to have a positive campaign under the guidance of head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann’s side will take on Switzerland and Ghana in friendly matches this month. These games are essential as the squad builds towards the prestigious tournament. Germany have been drawn alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E. 

They will open their campaign against the tournament debutants Curacao on June 14, setting the stage for what Kimmich hopes will be a memorable run.

Since winning the competition for a fourth time in Brazil 12 years ago, though, Germany have fared miserably at the World Cup. 

They finished bottom of a group containing Sweden, Mexico, and South Korea in 2018. Then they suffered another humiliating exit after being grouped with Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica in 2022.

Kimmich knows fans might dwell on those recent shortcomings. But he says Nagelsmann’s side cannot afford to play with fear if they want to restore their reputation on the global stage.

For now, though, Kimmich says Germany’s players must concentrate on preparing for the competition. 

There are two more pre-tournament friendlies to come at the end of the club season, versus Finland and the USA. These matches will provide valuable opportunities to fine-tune tactics and build team cohesion.

Bayern Munich youngsters Jonas Urbig and Lennart Karl are the two uncapped players in Germany’s most recent squad. 

The latter is expected to make his debut against Switzerland on Friday, offering a glimpse of the future for German football. 

This inclusion of young talent highlights Nagelsmann’s commitment to blending experience with fresh legs as the team seeks to reclaim its status as a football powerhouse.