Germany began their World Cup campaign with a statement 7-1 win over Curaçao in Houston, but the scoreline flattered a patchy first-half display. Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock midway through the first half, only for Curaçao to equalise against the run of play. The minnows held firm until the break and briefly threatened an upset.
The second half was a different story. Germany exploited the wide spaces Curaçao left open and ran riot. Kai Havertz led the charge with a brace as the four-time champions showed their class and their fitness told. Curaçao’s high defensive line was repeatedly punished by Germany’s wing play, and once the floodgates opened there was no way back.
It was a tough night for Curaçao, but they didn’t disgrace themselves and got a terrific reception from their fans who made the trip to Texas. For Germany there was also a reminder of history. The last time they won their opening World Cup game was 2014 — the year they lifted the trophy in Rio after Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, a performance so imperious it earned a standing ovation from the home fans.
