Curaçao’s World Cup debut moment fades as Germany rolls to 7-1 victory
The smallest nation ever at a men’s World Cup stunned Germany with a historic equaliser, but the four-time champions replied with six unanswered goals in Houston.
From dream to rout
Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever compete in a men’s World Cup, stunned Germany in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia fired in a deflected shot past Manuel Neuer to equalise. The goal, the first World Cup goal in the island’s history, triggered wild celebrations among the thousands of Curaçao supporters in Houston’s NRG Stadium. But Germany quickly regained control. Felix Nmecha had already put the four-time champions ahead in the sixth minute, and Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header from a corner in the 38th. A penalty from Kai Havertz just before half-time made it 3–1. After the break, Germany scored again within a minute with Jamal Musiala’s finish, and later goals by Nathaniel Brown, Dennis Undav and a second from Havertz completed the 7–1 scoreline.
- Felix Nmecha
- 1 goals
- Livano Comenencia
- 1 goals
- Nico Schlotterbeck
- 1 goals
- Kai Havertz
- 2 goals
- Jamal Musiala
- 1 goals
- Nathaniel Brown
- 1 goals
- Dennis Undav
- 1 goals
A moment of history
Leandro Bacuna, the Curaçao captain, spoke of the significance of the goal.
His brother Juninho Bacuna also started in midfield, part of a squad almost entirely developed in the Netherlands. For players like Comenencia, a midfielder at FC Zürich, the goal will be a career highlight. The team is coached by Dick Advocaat, who at 78 became the oldest head coach in World Cup history. An emotional Advocaat was seen with tears during the national anthem.We have done something beautiful. We even scored a goal. The first goal ever at a World Cup.
David and Goliath
Curaçao, with a population of around 156,000, faced a country of 83.6 million. The build-up had been full of joy, with hundreds of fans attending training in Noordwijk and Florida, and a sense of celebration rather than pressure. Advocaat had urged his players to dance in the dressing room, not to be overly serious. That spirit translated into a fearless first half but could not withstand Germany’s sustained pressure.
- Germany
- 83.6 million
- Curaçao
- 0.156 million
Advocaat’s realism
After the match, Advocaat acknowledged the gap.
He added that participation alone is “fantastic” and that the team would try again against Ecuador. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Jamal Musiala’s substitution was precautionary and not due to a serious injury.We expected more, at most a 4-1 loss. But Germany was just better than us.
What comes next
Curaçao still has two group matches: against Ecuador next Sunday and against Ivory Coast the following Thursday. Advocaat believes the remaining matches will be different and that the squad will be ready. The players aim to give more joy to their supporters and possibly secure a first World Cup point. Despite the heavy loss, the afternoon in Houston will be remembered for that one unforgettable quarter-hour.
