Germany hit Curacao for seven in dominant World Cup opener

Germany began their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, beating debutants Curacao 7-1 in Group E. The result gave Julian Nagelsmann’s side three points and sent an early warning to the rest of the tournament about their attacking strength.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes with a fine curling strike, but Curacao briefly stunned Germany when Livano Comenencia equalised with their first ever World Cup goal. It was a landmark moment for the Caribbean nation, whose population of around 160,000 makes them the smallest country ever to reach and score at a World Cup.

Germany quickly reasserted control before half-time. Nico Schlotterbeck headed them back in front, and Kai Havertz added a penalty to make it 3-1 at the break. From there, the match turned into a showcase for Germany’s attacking depth.

Jamal Musiala made it 4-1 just over a minute into the second half, finishing neatly after a precise pass from Joshua Kimmich. Later, Florian Wirtz played a key role again as his pass was flicked on by Denis Undav for Nathaniel Brown to volley home from left-back and stretch the lead further.

Undav then came off the bench to score Germany’s sixth, before Havertz raced away to clip in the seventh and complete the rout. Germany were ruthless in the final third and looked dangerous whenever they moved the ball quickly through Wirtz, Musiala and Leroy Sane.

Curacao’s historic goal will be remembered as a major moment for the country, even in defeat. But the game also raised a question for Germany: despite the big scoreline, were they a little loose at the back? They were tested more than the final result might suggest, and a stronger opponent could expose those defensive gaps.

For now, though, Germany will be satisfied with a statement win. Their attacking display was excellent, and the result gives them a strong start to Group E.