Germany made a resounding start to their World Cup campaign on Sunday, thrashing tournament debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener in Houston to record their first opening-match victory at the finals since lifting the trophy in 2014.
While tougher tests await against Ecuador and Ivory Coast, the emphatic win puts Julian Nagelsmann’s side in a strong position to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their triumph in Brazil 12 years ago.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring early for Germany, but Curacao briefly threatened an upset when Livano Comenencia equalised with a deflected effort that sparked wild celebrations among the Caribbean side’s travelling supporters, known as the Blue Wave.
Any hopes of a shock result, however, were quickly extinguished as Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (twice), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav all found the net in a one-sided contest.
“It’s indescribable,” Brown said after scoring his first international goal.
“To score in my first World Cup match, with my family in the stands and celebrating with my teammates, is simply incredible.”
Germany seize control
The four-time world champions settled into their rhythm from the outset and took the lead in the sixth minute through Nmecha, who collected a pass from Florian Wirtz before curling a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The goal prompted an animated celebration from Nagelsmann on the touchline.
Nmecha nearly doubled the advantage moments later with a powerful long-range strike, as Germany dominated possession and territory.
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, playing in his fifth World Cup at the age of 40 and becoming the oldest German player ever to appear at the tournament, had little to do until Curacao’s unexpected equaliser.
Comenencia’s strike took a deflection on its way past Neuer, silencing the German fans and sending Curacao coach Dick Advocaat, the oldest manager in World Cup history at 78, leaping to his feet in celebration.
Germany responded positively after the ensuing drinks break.
“The goal we conceded was unnecessary, but I’m proud that we didn’t let our heads drop,” Brown said.
Room produced a brilliant save to deny Schlotterbeck’s header shortly after play resumed, but Germany’s relentless pressure eventually told.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Schlotterbeck rose unmarked from a corner to head home his first international goal.
Germany struck again before half-time after Nmecha was brought down by Riechedly Bazoer inside the box. Havertz calmly converted the resulting penalty to give his side a commanding 3-1 lead at the break.
Second-half dominance
Germany wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart.
Just 69 seconds into the second half, Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s pass and finished confidently from a tight angle to make it 4-1.
Leroy Sane missed a golden opportunity to add another shortly after the hour mark, but Brown made no mistake minutes later, firing home Germany’s fifth goal before the second hydration break.
Substitute Undav continued his prolific international form by scoring Germany’s sixth, taking his tally to seven goals in his last seven appearances.
Havertz completed the rout late on with his second goal of the match and 24th for Germany, sealing a 7-1 victory reminiscent of the famous scoreline Germany recorded against hosts Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
The result sends a strong early statement from Nagelsmann’s side as they look to re-establish themselves among the world’s elite after successive disappointing World Cup campaigns.
AFP
