Prayers, Maccabi Haifa fans and his shirt swap: Kenji Gorre speaks

Watch the report by Idan Koval, Walla Sport’s envoy to the World Cup / Walla editorial staff

Kenji Gorre is counting the minutes until Curaçao’s historic World Cup match. The Maccabi Haifa player has overcome the injury that kept him out at the end of the Premier League season and is waiting to take the field in Houston for the match against Germany in Group E of the World Cup on Sunday at 20:00.

"It feels like a dream come true," Gorre said in an interview with Maccabi Haifa’s official website. "As a child you dream about these moments, and now it is reality. To play on the biggest stage in the World Cup against Germany, who have won four times. We are looking forward to it, I am definitely looking forward to it. The atmosphere here is amazing, we are really enjoying all of this and taking it all in. I am sure we can take points. I think we are going into this with complete faith that we can make it happen."

On the prayers he posted on social media: "Our faith is our foundation. We pray every morning, also before matches, just to focus on ourselves and thank God that we can play football and do what we love, but also that we are breathing, because every day is not to be taken for granted. We are focused on the big moment and grateful for life, thanking God for bringing us to this position. The prayer has given us a lot of fuel and also perspective."

On the support from Maccabi Haifa fans: "I received amazing responses, they are encouraging me and showing their faith in me. It really gives me a lot, so I wanted to thank everyone who is sending us good energy here. We really appreciate it."

On his physical condition: "I am completely fit, ready to play. I am ready for the World Cup and grateful for that. Who will I swap shirts with in Germany? I think with my close friend Felix Nmecha, it would be amazing to get his shirt after the match. It would be a memory for life."

On his family: "My wife and children are in Manchester, they will come to Houston for the match against Germany and after that they will return with us. My father is on the coaching staff, so I get to see him every day."