News Focus
- Germany thrash World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in Group E opener
- Curacao make history with first-ever World Cup goal via Livano Comenencia
- Kai Havertz scores twice as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz shine in attack
- Defensive concerns remain for manager Julian Nagelsmann despite big win
- Match attracts 68,021 spectators at NRG Stadium in Houston
Germany began their FIFA World Cup journey with a strong 7-1 victory over Curacao. The Group E match took place at NRG Stadium in front of 68,021 fans.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes. He curled a fine shot into the net to give Germany an early advantage.
However, Curacao shocked the German team in the 21st minute. Livano Comenencia scored an equaliser for the Caribbean side. This was Curacao’s first ever goal at a World Cup finals. The tiny island nation has a population of only 160,000 people. They are the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup and score a goal.
Germany responded well before half-time. Nico Schlotterbeck scored with a header to put his team back in the lead. Then Kai Havertz converted a penalty in added time at the end of the first half.
The German team scored again just one minute after the break. Jamal Musiala ran onto a pass from Joshua Kimmich and finished calmly. The Bayern Munich midfielder provided another assist later in the match.
In the 68th minute, Florian Wirtz set up a chance for Denis Undav. The striker flicked the ball to Nathaniel Brown. The defender volleyed home from close range to make it 5-1.
Denis Undav came off the bench to score Germany’s sixth goal in the 78th minute. Kai Havertz added his second goal of the game in the 87th minute. He ran past the defence and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.
Despite the big win, Germany showed some weaknesses at the back. Curacao created several chances against them. Better teams might exploit these defensive problems in later matches.
Still, Germany’s attack looked very dangerous. Wirtz controlled the midfield well. Musiala and Leroy Sane used their pace to trouble the Curacao defence. Manager Julian Nagelsmann will be pleased with the three points.
For Curacao, the result was disappointing but the day was historic. Comenencia’s goal ensures they will always remember their first World Cup appearance.