Germany cruise to 7–1 win as Curaçao scores historic first World Cup goal -

Germany opened their FIFA World Cup Group E campaign with a commanding 7–1 victory over Curaçao in Houston on Sunday, although the tournament newcomers celebrated a landmark moment with their first-ever World Cup goal.

The four-time world champions topped the group after a dominant display against Curaçao, the Dutch Caribbean island nation and the smallest country ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup.

Germany took an early lead in the sixth minute, but Curaçao made history 15 minutes later when Livano Comenencia’s effort was deflected off a German defender and beyond goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The goal, Curaçao’s first at a FIFA World Cup, sparked jubilant celebrations among the team’s supporters inside Houston Stadium.

The historic strike briefly levelled the contest, but Germany quickly reasserted control. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header before Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot to give Die Mannschaft a 3–1 advantage at half-time.

Germany continued their dominance after the break. Jamal Musiala scored two minutes into the second half, while Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav added further goals to put the result beyond doubt by the 78th minute.

Havertz completed the scoring in the 88th minute, delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room after a perfectly weighted through pass split the Curaçao defence.

The 7–1 scoreline inevitably evoked memories of Germany’s famous 7–1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

Germany, who won World Cup titles in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, made an emphatic start to their latest campaign. Meanwhile, Curaçao leave the match with a result to forget but a historic goal that will forever hold a special place in the nation’s football history.

The second Group E fixture between Ivory Coast and Ecuador is scheduled to kick off later on Sunday night.