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Germany kicked off their 2026 World Cup journey in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 7-1 victory against debutants Curacao. Kai Havertz struck twice, while Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav also found the net in a commanding Group E performance. Despite conceding midway through the first half, Die Mannschaft were in full control throughout.

The Germans wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead within six minutes when Nmecha finished beautifully from the edge of the box after a neat exchange with Florian Wirtz. Nmecha nearly doubled the lead soon after, shooting narrowly wide from distance.

Wirtz also came close before Curacao stunned the crowd in the 21st minute. A slick passing move ended with Livano Comenencia’s shot deflecting past Manuel Neuer to level the score.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side quickly regained momentum. After Schlotterbeck had a header tipped over, he rose highest moments later to nod home Nathaniel Brown’s in-swinging cross, restoring Germany’s advantage.

Just before halftime, Havertz calmly converted a penalty after Nmecha was tripped by Riechedly Bazoer, making it 3-1. Early in the second half, Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s precise through-ball to slot home Germany’s fourth goal.

Germany continued to carve out chances. Although Leroy Sane missed from a promising position, Brown extended the lead with a superb volley after connecting with a clever flick from substitute Undav. The Stuttgart forward then added his own goal, finishing off a pass from Kimmich.

Havertz capped off the scoring late on, running onto Undav’s pass and delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to complete the rout.

GOAL provides player ratings from Houston:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Manuel Neuer (6/10): Conceded via a deflection from Comenencia’s shot but otherwise untroubled on his return to international duty.

Joshua Kimmich (7/10): Controlled the game with composure, strong in defence and crisp in distribution. Supplied the assist for Musiala and later set up Undav’s goal.

Jonathan Tah (5/10): A few uncertain moments in possession despite ample space. Unfortunately deflected in Curacao’s goal.

Nico Schlotterbeck (7/10): Could have cleared the danger before Curacao’s strike but was solid overall. Scored Germany’s second with a well-timed header from a set-piece.

Nathaniel Brown (8/10): Energetic on the left flank, combining pace and endurance. Delivered the cross for Schlotterbeck’s goal and later volleyed in his own to make it 5-1.

Midfield

Felix Nmecha (8/10): Opened the scoring with a fine finish and constantly threatened with late runs into the box. His close control earned the penalty. A lively and industrious presence in midfield.

Aleksandar Pavlovic (6/10): Kept the ball moving efficiently, though a couple of his shots were off target when well-positioned.

Jamal Musiala (8/10): Found space intelligently and regularly unsettled Curacao’s defence with his dribbling. His sharp finish early in the second half sealed the victory.

Attack

Leroy Sane (4/10): Struggled to make an impact. A risky backheel nearly caused trouble, and he squandered a major chance in the second half.

Kai Havertz (7/10): Finished coolly from the spot and later produced a deft dink for Germany’s seventh. Though not constantly involved, his movement created openings, and he’s already among the early Golden Boot contenders.

Florian Wirtz (7/10): Assisted Nmecha for the opener and was central to many of Germany’s best moves. Came close to scoring himself on a couple of occasions.

Subs & Manager

Deniz Undav (7/10): Made a big impact off the bench with one goal and two assists, continuing his excellent form for Germany.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10): Introduced for the final stages once the result was beyond doubt.

Leon Goretzka (6/10): Maintained control in midfield after replacing Nmecha.

David Raum (6/10): Tested Room with a low strike after coming on for Brown.

Waldemar Anton (N/A): Came on late to give Kimmich a brief rest.

Julian Nagelsmann (7/10): Will face sterner tests ahead, and questions remain over Sane’s role, but the coach can be satisfied with both performance and result.

How far can Germany go at the World Cup?