Germany Create History, Become First Team In The World To..
Germany Create History, Become First Team In The World To... Published By, Last Updated: June 15, 2026, 14:24 IST A ruthless start from Germany saw
Germany Create History, Become First Team In The World To... Published By, Last Updated: June 15, 2026, 14:24 IST A ruthless start from Germany saw the four-time world cup winners pump seven goals against tournament debutant Curacao. Rapid Read German players celebrate after scoring a third goal against Curacao in Houston. (AP Photo) Germany got their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominant performance against debutants Curaçao, the smallest country ever to appear at the tournament, in their Group E clash in Houston on Sunday. Kai Havertz scored twice, while Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav were also on target as the four-time world champions cruised to a 7-1 victory. The result made Germany the first team this century to score seven or more goals in a FIFA World Cup match on three separate occasions.
They had previously thrashed Saudi Arabia 8-0 at the 2002 World Cup before humbling Brazil, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with five titles, 7-1 in the 2014 semifinals. “We really needed this convincing win," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “We needed this self-confidence. It was there but it definitely grew." Curaçao briefly drew level through Livano Comenencia, whose left-footed strike in the 21st minute made it 1-1 and gave his side their first-ever World Cup goal. However, Germany quickly regained control as Schlotterbeck restored the lead before Havertz made it 3-1 by halftime. The second half was one-way traffic, with Germany adding four more goals to complete the rout. Despite the emphatic victory, the si goal margin remained well short of the World Cup record winning margin of nine goals, a feat that has been achieved three times.
Germany have failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of the last two World Cups after lifting the title in 2014. “We are on the right path but of course there are things that we can do better and we will have stronger opponents," Nagelsmann said. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who came out of international retirement for the tournament, became the oldest player to represent Germany at a World Cup. Germany next face Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday, while Curaçao take on Ecuador in Kansas City, Missouri News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.
The BriefWire