Germany 7-1 Curacao: Julian Nagelsmann’s side made a strong start to their World Cup campaign, but it was Curacao’s equalizer that was the biggest story.
Nico Schlotterbeck celebrates regaining Germany’s lead against Curacao (Image: Molly Darlington)
Germany’s World Cup appearance got off to a good start thanks to a comfortable win over Curaçao in Houston.
However, this game won’t be remembered in the way everyone expected. It will live long in the memory of what should not have been. Libano Comenesia’s equalizing goal sent excitement throughout the Caribbean and left the soccer powerhouse in complete shock.
In the end, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team escaped to avoid what would have been a big problem in Houston. But while it was a beautiful few minutes, it threatened to be the biggest shock in World Cup history.
The possibility of David defeating Goliath here in Texas felt impossible. To explain this match specifically, it was Curacao’s first appearance in the tournament, which Germany has won four times.
Curacao, on the other hand, could have accommodated half its population in Houston Stadium. All told, about 7,000 people came from the Caribbean island to witness a historic moment for everyone involved in Curaçao.
Curaçao is making great strides under the slogan “The Blue Wave.” However, it was white that dominated the pitch instead.
It took just over five minutes for the Germans to take the lead. Felix Nmeka ran in on Florian Wirtz’s deft lay-off and fired a beautiful shot into the top corner.
At 78 years old, Dick Advocaat may be the oldest manager in World Cup history, but even that experience could not stop the expected onslaught. Nmeka, Leroy Sane and Wirtz all came close to doubling Germany’s lead as Nagelsmann’s side looked to score.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 14: Curacao’s Libano Conencia player celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Then the unthinkable happened and Curacao equalized.
Comenesia grabbed the glory thanks to Nico Schlotterbeck’s defensive laxity and stunned the Germans by firing a shot past the great Manuel Neuer. cubedrum.
When the hydration break came, Nagelsmann probably felt like gulping down something much stronger than water.
However, normal service was resumed before half-time, with Schlotterbeck restoring Germany’s lead after Richedli Bazur tripped Nmeka, and Kai Havertz further extending it from the penalty spot.
Jamal Musiala scored four points, which limited the damage for Advocaat’s underdogs.
Kai Havertz also scored for Germany
However, Germany’s quality and class were too great, with Nathaniel Braun and substitute Deniz Undav contributing to the goals, before Havertz completed the defeat with his second goal of the afternoon.
But thanks to Comenesia, the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup will always have a sunny moment.
Meanwhile, the Germans have failed to advance through the group stage in the past two tournaments, putting enormous pressure on coach Nagelsmann to change the narrative of the soccer powerhouse.
But thanks to this dramatic win, he’s already halfway to achieving his goal.
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