Germany began their FIFA World Cup campaign in devastating fashion with a 7-1 demolition of Curacao on Sunday, as Felix Nmecha scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far and helped Julian Nagelsmann’s side ease to victory in their Group E opener.
The four-time world champions took control from the start and were rewarded early. Inside six minutes, Nmecha combined well with Florian Wirtz before curling a powerful shot into the corner, marking the earliest goal of the tournament.
However, Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup in terms of both area and population, stunned Germany by equalising midway through the first half. With a population of around 155,000 and covering just 171 square miles, the Caribbean nation gave its fans a moment to cherish when Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia made history.
He collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a left-footed strike that took a deflection before beating 40-year-old Manuel Neuer, who was making his fifth World Cup appearance. Curacao nearly built on that momentum when striker Jurgen Locadia appealed for a penalty after getting past Jonathan Tah, but his claims were waved away. Germany regained control after a hydration break allowed them to regroup.
Nagelsmann’s side responded with renewed intensity and restored their lead through Nico Schlotterbeck, who glanced Nathaniel Brown’s corner past goalkeeper Eloy Room. The pressure continued to mount, and Germany were awarded a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer fouled the impressive Nmecha inside the box. Kai Havertz calmly converted from the spot in the fifth minute of added time to give Germany a 3-1 lead at the break.
Any hopes of a Curacao comeback disappeared almost immediately after the restart. Just 69 seconds into the second half, Jamal Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s incisive pass, shrugged off a defender and slotted home Germany’s fourth goal.
Germany continued to dominate, and left-back Nathaniel Brown marked his World Cup debut in style by volleying home after a clever flick from substitute Deniz Undav. Undav then got on the scoresheet himself, sweeping in another Kimmich assist to make it 6-1.
The Stuttgart forward capped an impressive cameo by setting up Germany’s seventh goal, providing the assist for Havertz, who delicately lifted the ball over Room two minutes from time to complete the rout.
–IANS
