The German national team started their World Cup campaign in Canada with a win against Curaçao. Now they face Ivory Coast – and Saturday’s match (10:00 PM CEST, ZDF/MagentaTV) in Toronto promises to be a real test. As the Süddeutsche Zeitung analyzes in its podcast “Und nun zur WM,” a special responsibility falls on Kimmich.
Kimmich as central figure
The 31-year-old FC Bayern Munich midfielder is not only captain but also the most experienced player in the squad. The podcast analysis makes clear: Kimmich must organize the game against the physically strong Ivorians, close gaps, and lead the young players. Süddeutsche Zeitung emphasizes that “work awaits him” – a description of the key role he plays in head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s system.
Ivory Coast is no easy opponent. Coach Emerse Faé’s team is athletic, fast, and boasts experienced players like Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié. However, the African champions will have to do without striker Elye Wahi: the 23-year-old from OGC Nice was denied entry to Canada, as the Ivorian federation announced. The background appears to be investigations by the Marseille public prosecutor’s office on suspicion of match-fixing – Wahi was temporarily arrested on May 29 but is now free.
Counterpoint: Kimmich not alone
Critics might argue that the burden should not rest solely on Kimmich. Players like İlkay Gündoğan or Antonio Rüdiger also bring international experience. Yet the Süddeutsche Zeitung podcast argues that Kimmich, due to his central midfield position and captaincy, bears the most responsibility – and that the team needs him to stay calm in decisive moments.
Conclusion: Kimmich as a benchmark
The match against Ivory Coast will show whether the DFB team is already solidified under the new captain. If Kimmich controls the game, the chances of a second win are good. Süddeutsche Zeitung sees the match as an important test for the team’s hierarchy.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
