Germany beat Curacao 7-1 in their World Cup Group E opener on Sunday, but debutants Curacao marked their first appearance with a historic tournament goal.
Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead after six minutes with the fastest goal of the tournament so far. Livano Comenencia equalised in the 21st minute, scoring Curacao’s first World Cup goal.
Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s lead with a header before Kai Havertz converted a penalty. Jamal Musiala then scored early in the second half.
Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav added further goals before Havertz completed the rout with his second of the match.
Curacao became the smallest nation by population and area to play at the World Cup finals. Their supporters still drew one of the loudest cheers from the 68,021 crowd after Comenencia’s equaliser.
Dick Advocaat, 78, also became the oldest coach in World Cup history. He said Germany was too strong but added that Curacao could still be proud.
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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said he was satisfied with the seven-goal display and called a winning start important.
Recalled goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, became the oldest player to represent Germany at a major tournament, passing Lothar Matthaeus’ record.
