Germany vs Curaçao: Havertz scores twice in 7–1 World Cup group win

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany pulled clear to beat World Cup debutants Curaçao 7–1 in a group match. Curaçao briefly made it 1–1 through Livano Comenencia, their first goal of the tournament. Germany restored control before half-time and added further goals after the break to seal a comfortable win.

Germany ran up a 7-1 scoreline against World Cup debutant Curaçao in a group match on Sunday. Kai Havertz struck twice as Germany moved clear before the break. The four-time champions added more goals after half-time. Curaçao still claimed a milestone, scoring a first-ever tournament goal during the match.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a first-time right-foot finish. Florian Wirtz set up the move. Curaçao levelled in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia. The left-footed shot came through traffic from the centre of the box. The goal sparked loud celebrations among Curaçao supporters.

Germany vs Curaçao: Goals and key moments

Germany went back in front in the 38th minute from a set play. Nico Schlotterbeck headed in after Nathaniel Brown delivered a corner. Havertz then made it 3-1 in first-half stoppage time. The penalty went into the left side of the goal. It was given after Riechedly Bazoer tripped Nmecha inside the box.

Jamal Musiala extended the lead soon after the restart in the 47th minute. Musiala scored with a right-footed shot across the goalkeeper’s area. Brown then added a goal in the 68th minute for 5-1. Deniz Undav struck in the 78th minute. Havertz completed the scoring with a second goal in the 88th minute.

Germany vs Curaçao: Records, crowd and venue

The seven-goal tally did not reach the World Cup record margin of nine goals. That record has occurred three times. The most recent was in 1982, when Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1. Germany’s result still marked a strong start against an underdog. Germany sought improvement after group-stage exits in Russia and Qatar.

The crowd of 68,021 largely backed Germany, but Curaçao fans were also heard. Curaçao became the smallest country to appear in the tournament. The match opened the tournament schedule at Houston Stadium. The venue is usually called NRG Stadium. It is the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans.

Germany vs Curaçao: Coaches, goalkeeper and next fixtures

Manuel Neuer returned in goal at age 40 after ending an international break. Neuer made one save in a first Germany appearance in almost two years. The match also set a coaching age-gap record. Dick Advocaat, 78, led Curaçao. Julian Nagelsmann, 38, coached Germany and is the youngest coach this year.

Germany next plays Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday. Curaçao faces Ecuador on Saturday in Kansas City. The opening win gave Germany an early boost in the group. Curaçao took a key moment from Comenencia’s strike, despite the heavy defeat. Both teams now turn quickly to their second fixtures.

With inputs from PTI