Germany thrashes World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1. The German national team scored a resounding victory over Curaçao in their opening Group E match. The Germans netted seven goals to take the group lead, while the tournament debutants celebrated a historic goal. The match took place in Houston.
The German national team began the FIFA World Cup with a convincing victory over tournament newcomers Curaçao. The match in Houston ended 7–1, allowing the Germans to immediately take the lead in Group E and surpass Brazil in the total number of goals scored at World Cups.
Germany opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute — Felix Nmecha finished a pass from Florian Wirtz. However, Curaçao, representing the smallest nation by population and area in the tournament, quickly responded: Livano Comenencia scored the team’s first-ever World Cup goal, equalizing in the 21st minute. This goal was also significant for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who at 40 became the oldest player to appear for Germany in a World Cup, surpassing Lothar Matthäus.
After a brief hydration break, Germany regained the initiative. In the 38th minute, Nico Schlotterbeck headed in a corner, and in first-half stoppage time, Kai Havertz converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Nmecha. The second half began with a quick goal from Jamal Musiala, after which Germany's advantage became overwhelming. Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav made it 6–1, and two minutes before the end, Havertz completed his brace off a pass from Undav.
Germany’s victory echoed their famous 7-1 result against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semifinal and put the team in first place for total goals in tournament history—239. After disappointing showings in 2018 and 2022, when the Germans failed to advance from the group, this strong start is an important signal for Julian Nagelsmann’s team. Germany has now won ten matches in a row and, judging by their play, have found an effective system that brings out the best in Musiala, Havertz, and Wirtz, with Nmecha gaining confidence.
Despite the result, Curaçao left a strong impression. The team, led by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, became the first debutant in 72 years to lose their opening match by a six-goal margin. Nonetheless, the players showed character and created several dangerous chances, while the fans supported the team until the end. Ahead, Curaçao faces Ivory Coast and Ecuador, where their chances for success look more realistic.
For Germany, despite their attacking strength, the defense remains a concern: the team has failed to keep a clean sheet for seven consecutive World Cup matches—their worst streak since 1970. Germany will play their next match against Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 20, while Curaçao will meet Ecuador in Kansas City on the night of June 21.
For reference: Germany is a four-time World Cup champion, last winning the tournament in 2014. Curaçao is participating in the final stage of the World Cup for the first time, and their coach, Dick Advocaat, has become the oldest manager in the tournament’s history. The match in Houston was one of the highest-scoring opening games in recent years.
