Germany ruthlessly dispatched Curacao and showed how absurd the new format can be
Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener, with Havertz scoring twice as Die Mannschaft recorded their tenth consecutive win.
World Cup
Germany wasted no time making their mark at the 2026 World Cup, dismantling Curacao 7-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Lukas Nmecha opened the scoring in the 6th minute, but Curacao — the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup — briefly made history by equalising through Livano Comenencia in the 21st, courtesy of a deflection off Kimmich. The joy was short-lived. Schlotterbeck headed Germany back in front (28'), before Havertz converted a penalty in added time to make it 3-1 at the break.
The second half was a formality. Musiala made it 4-1 just two minutes after the restart, Nathaniel Brown added a fifth (68'), Undav scored twice (78', assist), and Havertz rounded off a 7-1 demolition in the 88th minute. Manuel Neuer, returning to the national team for the first time in nearly two years, had very little to do.
An interesting footnote: the two coaches are the youngest and oldest at this World Cup — Julian Nagelsmann is 38, while Curacao's Dick Advocaat is 78.
Goals: Nmecha 6', Comenencia 21', Schlotterbeck 38', Havertz 45+5' (pen), Musiala 47', Brown 68', Undav 78', Havertz 88'