Germany began their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, cruising to a 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in their Group E opener in Houston.
The four-time world champions recorded their first win in an opening World Cup match since lifting the trophy in 2014, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in over a decade.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead, but Curacao briefly threatened an upset when Livano Comenencia’s deflected effort levelled the score and sparked celebrations among the Caribbean side’s supporters.
However, Germany quickly reasserted their dominance as Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (two goals), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav all found the net to seal a comprehensive victory.
“It is indescribable,” Brown said after scoring his first international goal.
“To score in the first World Cup match, my family is there, then to celebrate with the guys — simply incredible.”
Germany took control from the outset, with Nmecha opening the scoring in the sixth minute after receiving a pass from Florian Wirtz and curling a fine effort beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The Germans continued to dictate play and nearly doubled their advantage before Curacao stunned them against the run of play through Comenencia, whose strike took a deflection past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The equaliser briefly raised hopes of a shock result, but Germany regained control after the cooling break.
Schlotterbeck restored the lead in the 38th minute, heading home from a corner for his first goal for the national team.
Havertz then extended the advantage from the penalty spot just before halftime after Nmecha was fouled in the box.
Germany resumed the second half with renewed intensity, with Musiala making it 4-1 just 69 seconds after the restart from a Joshua Kimmich assist.
Brown added a fifth goal before substitute Undav continued his impressive international scoring form by netting Germany’s sixth.
Havertz completed the rout late on with his second goal of the match and 24th for Germany.
“The goal we conceded was unnecessary, but that’s part of it,” Brown said.
“I’m proud that we didn’t let our heads drop.”
The result puts Germany in a strong position ahead of tougher Group E fixtures against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
For Curacao, who are making their first appearance at the World Cup, the defeat marked a harsh introduction to football’s biggest stage despite a spirited performance in front of their passionate supporters.
Germany’s seven-goal haul also evoked memories of their famous 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
AFP