Germany began their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, cruising to a 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in their Group E opener in Houston.
The four-time world champions recorded their first win in an opening World Cup match since lifting the trophy in 2014, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in over a decade.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead, but Curacao briefly threatened an upset when Livano Comenencia’s deflected effort levelled the score and sparked celebrations among the Caribbean side’s supporters.
However, Germany quickly reasserted their dominance as Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (two goals), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav all found the net to seal a comprehensive victory.
“It is indescribable,” Brown said after scoring his first international goal.
