Bayern Munich star desperate to avoid more World Cup pain with Germany

After failing to progress to the knockout phase at both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Goretzka and Co know the pressure is on to emerge from Group E unscathed.

With minnows Curacao up first this evening, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad will fancy their chances of getting off to a flying start.

But Goretzka, a part of the groups that failed miserably at the previous two tournaments, knows they cannot afford to let their fans down yet again.

Speaking to FIFA, the Bayern Munich midfielder said: “We want to put things right.

“The memories don’t really bother us anymore. But it’s true that the sense of euphoria and that togetherness with the fans perhaps aren’t quite there at the moment.

“They’ve lost faith in us a little and we’d love to win them over again. That’s actually my biggest personal motivation — the same goes for the whole team.

“You can and should always learn from your mistakes. But dwelling on them now won’t do us any good.

“We simply want to look ahead and take this opportunity in front of us. We know we have a good team.”

Germany have rarely been considered as one of the teams not among the favourites heading into a major tournament.

Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images

But Goretzka, 31, is under no illusion that Die Mannschaft are little more than outsiders in North America.

He added: “The situation is indeed a little different to previous tournaments. I don’t think we’ll be among the top favourites, let’s be honest.

“Nevertheless, there are very high expectations of us as a footballing nation — and rightly so.

“We have some top stars in our team. I believe that if we’re all fit and in form, we can achieve a lot at this World Cup.

“If we’re able to grow as a team during the tournament, the sky’s the limit. But I don’t see us as top favourites.

“The potential is there — we just have to make sure we realise it every game.

“We need to grow together as a team and better understand what the person next to us is doing on the pitch. I believe that physicality will also play a major role.

“I played in the Club World Cup last year, so I know the conditions will be extreme. That will certainly be a factor — and that’s why we’ll have to be in peak condition.

“Just as in every tournament, luck will of course be a big factor. If everything comes together, we really can go far.”

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