World Cup hopefuls Germany kicked off their campaign against tournament debutants Curacao with a 7-1 thrashing in Group E.
Felix Nmecha scored the quickest goal of the tournament so far by slotting past Eloy Room just six minutes into the game before Curacao provided a shock to strike back on the break courtesy of Livano Comenenia whose deflected effort beat Manuel Neuer and levelled the game midway through the first half.
But, Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead for the four-time World Cup winners with a brilliantly directed header into the far, bottom corner and Kai Havertz converted a penalty to send the Germans into the half-time break 3-1 up.
Jamal Musiala continued Germany’s fine form with a beautifully placed finish just 90 seconds into the second half as the European heavyweights began to run riot. Nathaniel Brown’s first international goal added a fifth and Deniz Undav came off the bench to slot home the sixth.
Havertz had the final say and tapped in to bring a familiar scoreline as Germany, the perennial competition powerhouses, laid down a marker for a potential deep run over the next few weeks.
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More records for Germany
Germany are now the all-time top scorers at the World Cup, with their seven-goal showing here taking them past Brazil (238) in the goal charts (239).
Germany dominated
The quality of Germany is in full display when you dive into the stats.
They had an xG of 3.91 and exceeded that by three goals. The Germans had 26 shots with 12 of them on target as they controlled 65% of possession.
Curacao managed eight shots in reply with two of them on target. It was a very one-sided affair in the end.
FT Germany 7-1 Curacao
What a start to the World Cup for Germany!
Ahead of the game this fixture looked like a one-sided affair and in the end it was.
Curacao made history by appearing in their first World Cup and they gave Germany a game for nearly 40 minutes.
But, the power and strength of the Germans was too much in the end and Julian Nagelsmann’s side romped to victory.
FULL TIME: Germany 7-1 Curacao
Germany never got out of second gear despite a brief scare from Curacao. It is hard to judge Germany’s credentials based on that one, but Nagelsmann’s side will surely have further levels to reach.
For Curacao, a goal on their World Cup debut is small consolation for such a defeat. How they react against Ecuador will be key – can they build on their first performance?
Cutely-worked set-piece almost works for Germany
90+5 mins: Germany 7-1 Curucao
Germany end this game with a floated free-kick that beats the offside trap. It is headed down for Goretzka, who cannot bring the ball under his spell.
GOAL! Havertz at the double for Germany
89 mins: Germany 7-1 Curacao
Kai Havertz becomes the first player to score more than once in this game – after eight goals. A lovely dinked effort punishes a cheap Curacao turnover. 7-1 is a familiar scoreline for the Germans, of course…
