News Focus
- Kai Havertz nets twice as Germany thrash Curaçao 7-1 in Group E opener
- Jamal Musiala, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Felix Nmecha also find the net
- 40-year-old Manuel Neuer returns between the sticks after reversing international retirement
- Curaçao mark debut with historic goal from Livano Comenencia but suffer heavy defeat
Kai Havertz grabbed a double as Germany began their World Cup redemption campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston.
The four-time champions fell behind briefly after Felix Nmecha had opened the scoring early on. Livano Comenencia sent the Caribbean fans wild by smashing home an equaliser midway through the first half. However, Germany regained control before the break.
Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a powerful header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner in the 38th minute. Havertz then converted from the penalty spot during first-half stoppage time after Nmecha had been fouled inside the box by Riechedly Bazoer.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side needed just two minutes of the second period to extend their advantage. Jamal Musiala found the net with a precise right-footed finish across the goalkeeper.
The scoring continued as Brown grabbed his goal in the 68th minute before Deniz Undav made it six ten minutes later. Havertz completed his brace two minutes from time to round off the rout.
The heavy defeat marked a difficult start for Curaçao, who became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the finals. Their 78-year-old manager Dick Advocaat also made history as the oldest coach at a World Cup, facing the youngest in 38-year-old Nagelsmann.
Manuel Neuer, who reversed his international retirement at age 40, made one save on his first Germany appearance in nearly two years. The contest drew 68,021 spectators to NRG Stadium.
Germany will face Ivory Coast in Toronto next Saturday, while Curaçao travel to Kansas City to meet Ecuador on the same day.