Kai Havertz scored twice as Julian Nagelsmann’s side ran riot to hand the FIFA World Cup newcomers a harsh lesson.
Germany 7-1 Curaçao
Germany goals: Nmecha (6), Schlotterbeck (38) Havertz (45+5 pen), Musiala (47), Brown (68), Undav (78), Havertz (88) Curaçao goal: Comenecia (21)
Germany inflicted a chastening defeat on FIFA World Cup™ debutants Curaçao at Houston Stadium.
The four-time world champions made an ominous start, taking the lead after Felix Nmecha combined with Florian Wirtz and steered a superb first-time finish into the far corner.
Curaçao had barely laid a glove on Julian Nagelsmann’s team when some defensive uncertainty allowed Livano Comenencia to nestle a deflected effort beyond the despairing dive of returning World Cup 2014 winner Manuel Neuer, sparking jubilant scenes in sections of the stands.
But the joy was short-lived. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home unmarked from a corner, before Kai Havertz rolled in a penalty after Riechedly Bazoer had upended Nmecha, giving Germany a commanding half-time cushion.
Things went from bad to worse for Curaçao as Jamal Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s defence-splitting pass and swept into the bottom corner within minutes of the restart.
Nathaniel Brown marked his World Cup debut with a composed volleyed finish, before substitute Deniz Undav added a sixth Germany goal from close range. Havertz completed his brace late on to leave the smallest nation in tournament history to reflect on a heavy loss.
Germany assume control of Group E, while Curaçao’s attentions turn to a crunch encounter with Ecuador on 20 June.
Key stat
At 40 years and 79 days, Manuel Neuer became the oldest Germany player to feature at a major tournament, breaking the record previously held by Lothar Matthaus, set at UEFA EURO 2000.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Kai Havertz (Germany)