Key facts
- Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in their World Cup debut match.
- Kai Havertz scored two goals for Germany.
- Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav also scored for Germany.
- Livano Comenencia scored Curacao's first-ever World Cup goal.
- Germany led 3-1 at halftime.
Germany secured a resounding 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao in their opening group game in Houston. Kai Havertz netted twice, while Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav also contributed to Germany's scoreline. Curacao managed to score their first-ever tournament goal through Livano Comenencia in the 21st minute, briefly levelling the match before Germany reasserted control. Nico Schlotterbeck headed in Germany's go-ahead goal in the 38th minute, and Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Felix Nmecha was fouled by Riechedly Bazoer. This win marks Germany's first opening-match victory at a World Cup since their 2014 triumph in Brazil, aiming to improve on recent group stage exits.