(Web Desk) – Germany opened their World Cup campaign in dominant fashion, securing a 7–1 victory over debutants Curacao in their Group E match in Houston on Sunday. The result marked Germany’s first win in an opening World Cup match since their 2014 title triumph.
The four-time world champions will next face tougher challenges against Ecuador and Ivory Coast, but the emphatic win gives them a strong position to advance toward the knockout stage for the first time since 2014.
Curacao briefly stunned the Germans when Livano Comenencia equalized after Felix Nmecha’s early sixth-minute strike. However, Germany quickly regained control, with goals from Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (two), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav sealing a commanding victory.
Germany started brightly, with Nmecha curling a superb effort past goalkeeper Eloy Room after linking up with Florian Wirtz, prompting an emotional reaction from coach Julian Nagelsmann. Curacao responded well and even tested veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who at 40 became Germany’s oldest World Cup player in his fifth tournament appearance.
The underdogs drew level through Comenencia’s deflected shot, sparking celebrations among their supporters, but Germany reasserted themselves before halftime. Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header from a corner, before Havertz converted a penalty after Nmecha was fouled.
Germany struck again just over a minute into the second half, as Musiala finished calmly from Joshua Kimmich’s assist. Despite further chances, including a missed opportunity by Leroy Sane, Germany extended their lead through Nathaniel Brown before substitute Deniz Undav added a sixth goal.
Havertz completed the scoring with his second of the match, matching Germany’s famous 7–1 scoreline against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
