UNIPA News(HOUSTON) June 15 — Germany began their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao in their Group E opener, securing their first opening-match win at the tournament since 2014.
The four-time world champions extended their winning streak to 10 matches and strengthened their position in Group E ahead of tougher fixtures against Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Germany entered the tournament under pressure following disappointing first-round exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The dominant performance against Curacao offered a confidence boost as Julian Nagelsmann’s side seeks to restore its standing on the international stage.
Despite creating several opportunities, Germany struggled with finishing during the first half and failed to fully capitalize on their dominance. The team improved significantly after the break, converting chances more efficiently to secure a comprehensive victory.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann handed a starting role to midfielder Jamal Musiala, who continues his return to full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff. In-form striker Deniz Undav began on the bench but made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute.
One of the standout performers was 22-year-old midfielder Nathaniel Brown, who registered a goal and an assist in what was widely regarded as his most influential display for the national team. Brown, rewarded for his strong performances at Eintracht Frankfurt, combined effectively with Undav during Germany’s attacking surge.
Undav contributed two assists and scored once after entering the match. The striker has now scored three goals in his last three international appearances. He first assisted Brown before finding the net himself and later set up Kai Havertz for Germany’s seventh goal.
Undav arrived at the World Cup following an impressive Bundesliga campaign in which he finished as the league’s second-highest scorer behind Harry Kane.
While the scale of the victory came against the lowest-ranked and smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, Germany’s commanding display provided an early boost to morale and delivered a valuable goal-difference advantage in the race for qualification from Group E.