Havertz scores twice as Curacao celebrates historic first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat.
Image: Reuters
Germany started their World Cup campaign with a dominant 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in Houston.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes, recording the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Curacao made history in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal, briefly leveling the match at 1-1.
Germany regained control before halftime through Nico Schlotterbeck and a Kai Havertz penalty.
After the break, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Havertz added four more goals to seal a convincing win.
The match also marked a historic moment for Curacao, the smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup. Coach Dick Advocaat became the oldest manager in World Cup history at 78.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised his team’s seven-goal display, while Advocaat said his side could still be proud despite the result.
The victory puts Germany in a strong position in Group E, while Curacao looks ahead to its remaining matches.
