Nick Woltemade optimistic of World Cup breakthrough despite limited Germany role | OneFootball

Despite having slipped down the pecking order in the German national team, Nick Woltemade remains optimistic about getting his special World Cup moment during the tournament.

“That’s what the national team coach tells me. The tournament is hopefully still long for us. I’m working hard for my chance,” Woltemade told RND.

Woltemade has been on the bench for Germany’s last two games – a 2-1 friendly win over the USA and a 7-1 World Cup opening victory over Curacao – but remains positive.

“This doesn’t unsettle me, I can deal with it. Overall, the past year has been crazy for me; it has changed my life,” said the Newcastle United forward.

“When I stood on the pitch with the whole team before the match against Curacao and we sang the anthem, I was smiling from ear to ear because it is so big and beautiful to be part of the biggest stage in football.”

With four goals in six matches during Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign, Woltemade has already shown what he is capable of in the national team shirt.

“The goals gave me a lot of confidence. I know my contribution to our successful qualification, and I’ve shown my ability at that level. But I’ve always been aware that other phases can come as well,” he said.

Both Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav are currently ahead of the former Stuttgart forward in the pecking order for the striker position.

Germany face Ivory Coast in their second World Cup match on Saturday evening.