Germany Too Much for Curacao in Houston’s World Cup Opener
(image via Omar Duran)
Houston’s World Cup slate got underway on Sunday afternoon with Germany and Curacao squaring off in Group E action. The Germans, four-time world champions, came into this match as the huge favorites aginst Curacao who were making their first ever appearance in the tournament.
As expected, Germany got off to a quick start, opening the scoring just six minutes in. After Jamal Musiala had an attempt blocked, Germany kept the attack going. Felix Nmecha played a perfect one-two with Florian Wirtz and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder curled a shot past the dive of Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room to make it 1-0.
The Germans kept on the pressure, looking to turn this match into a rout but, the unthinkable happened in the 21st minute. The minnows of Curacao broke into their own half and Jurgen Locadia had his shot blocked in front. The ball fell to Livano Comenencia who fired one goal, off Joshua Kimmich and past Manuel Neuer to give Curacao their first ever World Cup goal and send their fans into absolute delight.
Just moments later, Curacao had a penalty shout after Locadia went down in the box but there was ultimately nothing to it. Germany continued to dominate possession and get chances but the Curacao defense was holding firm.
Germany took the lead for good in the 38th minute off a set piece. Full back Nathaniel Brown whipped a corner kick right in front of goal and Nico Shlotterbeck flashed to the near post and headed past Room to make it 2-1 and retake the lead for the Germans.
As the game looked to head into half time still in the balance, Nmecha went down in the box and a penalty was given. VAR had a look but Riechedly Bazoer made contact and the call stood. Kai Havertz calmly slid the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Room the wrong way, and giving Germany a 3-1 lead going into the break.
The game seemed all but over after that half and Germany made sure of it just moments into the second 45. Kimmich slid the ball into the box for Musiala. The Bayern midfielder slid hit shot to the bottom corner past Room and Germany led 4-1 in the 47th minute.
Curacao put the ball in the net in the 67th minute but the flag was up as multiple players were offside. Just a minute later, Germany made it five. Substitute Deniz Undav flicked the ball perfectly and Brown volleyed home his first international goal to make the score 5-1.
Germany kept up the great play and they turned on the style once again to bag their sixth goal of the day. The Germans knocked the ball around in the box and Havertz laid off to Kimmich who had a clear look at goal. The captain played it back across to Undav and the substitute put it into the side netting off Leandro Bacuna to add a goal to his assist off the bench and put Germany up 6-1.
Germany finished off their domination when Undav slid Havertz in one-on-one. The German striker set Room down and chipped perfectly into the empty net for a 7-1 lead in the 88th minute.
The dominant victory for Germany put them in firm control of Group E. The other two teams in the group, Ecuador and Ivory Coast, play later today, but the Germans three points and plus-five goal difference gives them a huge advantage after their first match.
Germany will look to book their place in the knockout round when they take on Ivory Coast in their second group stage match on Saturday. Curacao will try and rebound from this loss as they also play Saturday, againsy Ecuador.
