Germany thrash debutants Curacao to begin World Cup campaign in style

The smallest nation in terms of both size and population ever to take part in a World Cup were already massive underdogs against the 2014 champions, but within less than six minutes, any chance of a positive result for Curacao seemed almost unattainable.

Germany displayed their quality as Felix Nmecha executed a slick one-two with Florian Wirtz to enter the penalty area, unleashing a first-time shot with his right foot that curled inside the far post.

Yet Dick Advocaat had guided this group of pioneers here through an impressive qualifying campaign, where they emerged as the top scorers in CONCACAF, and they once more defied expectations to bring joy to a small island.

Following a swift counter-attack, Nico Schlotterbeck could only clear the ball as far as the arriving Livano Comenencia, whose powerful strike deflected into the net beyond Manuel Neuer’s reach.

Determined to atone and shatter Caribbean hopes, Schlotterbeck soon forced Eloy Room to tip his header over the crossbar, but he made no mistake on the second occasion.

The Borussia Dortmund defender darted across the box to meet Nathaniel Brown’s near-post corner, glancing it past a helpless Room.

And matters worsened for Advocaat’s side before half-time when Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha in the area, resulting in a penalty that Kai Havertz calmly rolled into the corner.

Germany were full of confidence at the start of the second half, and extended their lead when Joshua Kimmich set up Jamal Musiala, who brilliantly found the far bottom corner from a tight angle.

A Nmecha effort that struck the crossbar and Leroy Sane’s missed one-on-one chance threatened a fifth goal, which eventually arrived when Deniz Undav flicked the ball on for Brown to guide into the net, making him the latest Germany player to score his first World Cup goal.

And Undav added his name to that list by tapping in Kimmich’s cross from across the box with ten minutes remaining, as Curacao now looked completely out of their depth.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side completed the onslaught late on with Undav sending Havertz away to chip the ball over the goalkeeper.

It may not quite be Brazil, but the 7-1 scoreline will undoubtedly instil confidence about reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2014, and could even elevate them back among the favourites to lift the trophy.

Veteran head coach Advocaat will be praised regardless of the outcome of this tournament, but there was a clear gulf in quality here which is unlikely to narrow much in Curacao’s upcoming matches against Ecuador and the Ivory Coast.