FOUR-TIME world champions Germany recovered from an early scare to produce a devastating attacking display and defeat World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener, while Japan fought back twice to earn a deserved 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a thrilling Group F encounter.
In Houston, Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side eventually turned on the style after being briefly rattled by the smallest nation ever, by size and population, to compete at a FIFA World Cup. Curacao, a Caribbean island with around 155,000 inhabitants and an area of just 171 square miles, stunned the eight-time finalists with a historic equaliser before being overwhelmed by Germany’s quality.
Die Mannschaft made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through a delightful curling strike from Felix Nmecha. The one-time England youth international finished brilliantly after a classy touch from Florian Wirtz, scoring the earliest goal of the tournament so far.
However, Curacao refused to be intimidated and made history in the 21st minute. Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia etched his name into Blue Wave folklore when his left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area took a deflection and beat veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old keeper, appearing in his fifth World Cup, surpassed German legend Lothar Matthäus as Germany’s oldest-ever international.
Curacao nearly added to Germany’s discomfort when former Premier League striker Jurgen Locadia saw a penalty appeal waved away after getting past Jonathan Tah. But a hydration break midway through the first half proved a turning point, allowing Germany to regroup and regain control of the contest.
The response was immediate and emphatic. Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s lead with a powerful near-post header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner before Kai Havertz calmly converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer brought down the impressive Nmecha inside the area.
Germany wasted little time after the restart. Just 69 seconds into the second half, Jamal Musiala finished smartly from Joshua Kimmich’s pass to make it 4-1 and effectively end any hopes of a Curacao comeback. The floodgates then opened as left-back Nathaniel Brown volleyed home after a clever flick from substitute Deniz Undav, who later added a goal of his own from another Kimmich assist.
Undav was not finished. The Stuttgart forward also provided the pass for Havertz’s second goal two minutes from time, the Arsenal striker delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to complete a dominant 7-1 victory. The win matched Germany’s famous 7-1 semi-final demolition of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup and moved them ahead of Brazil as the highest-scoring nation in World Cup history with 239 goals.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, Japan showed why many observers regard them as one of the tournament’s potential dark horses as they twice came from behind to secure a valuable 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
The contest began cautiously, with Ronald Koeman’s side carrying the greater attacking threat in a subdued first half. Donyell Malen was particularly dangerous, forcing three important saves from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as the Dutch searched for an opening breakthrough.
The game burst into life after halftime. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Netherlands in front six minutes after the restart, rising superbly to meet a cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch. Japan, however, responded almost immediately as Keito Nakamura drove a powerful low shot beyond Bart Verbruggen just six minutes later to restore parity.
The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute through a moment of Premier League-inspired quality. West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville cut inside before drilling a low effort beyond Suzuki to put the Netherlands back in front and seemingly on course for victory.
Yet Japan continued to display the resilience, spirit and relentless energy that have made them one of Asia’s most respected football nations. Their persistence was rewarded two minutes from time when Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada produced a deft header to redirect Koki Ogawa’s effort into the net, sparking celebrations among the thousands of Samurai Blue supporters inside the stadium.
Ranked 18th in the world and buoyed by recent impressive results, including a friendly victory over England at Wembley earlier this year, Japan once again demonstrated the qualities that have fuelled growing expectations of a deep World Cup run. Falling behind twice never diminished their belief, and their refusal to surrender earned what could become a crucial point in the race for qualification.
For the Netherlands, however, the result will feel like a major missed opportunity. Despite taking the lead on two occasions and fielding a starting lineup featuring eight Premier League players, Koeman’s men never looked fully comfortable. Their inability to protect their advantage ultimately allowed Japan back into the contest, leaving the Dutch camp frustrated after settling for a draw in a match they had looked capable of winning.