Germany Run Riot in Houston as Curaçao's Historic Bow Ends 7-1

Germany announced their World Cup intentions in emphatic fashion at NRG Stadium in Houston, brushing aside debutants Curaçao 7-1 in a Group E opener that was effectively decided long before the hour mark. Julian Nagelsmann's side were sharp, ruthless and relentless, with Kai Havertz leading the way with a brace and goals arriving from all over the pitch.

An early avalanche

Felix Nmecha set the tone inside six minutes, combining with Florian Wirtz before steering a first-time finish into the far corner. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home unmarked from a corner on 38 minutes and Havertz rolled in a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha. Jamal Musiala swept into the bottom corner straight after the restart, before Nathaniel Brown marked his debut with a composed volley on 68.

Curaçao write their own history

Amid the onslaught, Livano Comenencia gave the Caribbean side a moment to treasure, nestling a deflected effort beyond Manuel Neuer on 21 minutes. With a national population of just 160,000, Curaçao became the smallest nation ever to reach and score at a World Cup. Deniz Undav added a sixth on 78 and Havertz completed his brace on 88 to round off a statement German display.