Germany Wins 7-1 Against Curacao in World Cup Opener, Caribbean Nation Scores Historic First Goal

2026 World Cup Key News

Central Report

(Central News Agency, Houston, April 14) Germany opened their World Cup campaign today with a commanding 7-1 victory over first-time participants Curacao, marking a triumphant start. This match made history on multiple fronts, with the lopsided scoreline failing to overshadow the historic moment created by the Caribbean island nation of Curacao.

Felix Nmecha scored the tournament's fastest goal so far in the 6th minute, with Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (who scored twice), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav adding to the tally for Julian Nagelsmann's 'German Tank,' securing the win.

According to Reuters, however, the loudest applause from the 68,021 spectators came in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia of Curacao equalized. He broke through the defense and fired a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area, scoring his nation's first-ever World Cup goal and sending the 'Blue Wave' fans into a frenzy.

Curacao, making their World Cup debut, is the smallest participating nation in tournament history in terms of land area and population. Their head coach, Dick Advocaat, at 78 years old, became the oldest manager in World Cup history.

In the 6th minute, Nmecha received an assist from Florian Wirtz and immediately fired the ball into the net, breaking the deadlock.

After Comenencia equalized in the 21st minute, Germany regained the lead in the 38th minute when Schlotterbeck headed in a corner kick from Brown.

In first-half stoppage time, Nmecha was tripped by Riechedly Bazoer in the box, and Havertz converted the penalty kick to the left side, extending the lead to 3-1 at halftime.

Just 69 seconds into the second half, Musiala received a pass from Joshua Kimmich and scored from a tight angle.

After Leroy Sane missed a chance just past the 60th minute, Brown scored again before the second hydration break, extending the lead to 5-1.

Substitute Undav scored his seventh goal in his past seven international matches, making it 6-1. Havertz added another in stoppage time, completing his brace. Germany ultimately won 7-1.

Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany suffered shocking group-stage eliminations in both the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments. This match marked their quest for redemption.

Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper who had announced his retirement from the national team before returning, played at age 40, becoming the oldest player to appear for Germany in a major tournament, surpassing former captain Lothar Matthaeus' record of 39 set at Euro 2000.

Although Curacao suffered a heavy defeat in their Group E opener, the 1-7 scoreline mirrored Brazil's infamous 2014 semifinal loss to Germany on home soil.

While this match lacked the intensity of that semifinal, four-time champions Germany showed no mercy, controlling the tempo and effortlessly creating numerous chances, projecting strong 'title contender' vibes. (Translation: Ho Hung-Ju) 1150615