NEW DELHI: Germany thrashed a hapless Curaçao 7-1 in their Group E clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Germany, four-time world champions, took a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute thanks to a goal from Felix Nmecha.
Debutants Curaçao pulled one back at Houston Stadium in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia’s goal, but their joy was short-lived as Nico Schlotterbeck’s slick header restored Germany’s lead at 2-1.
Kai Havertz made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in the 50th minute. Germany’s onslaught continued in the second half as Jamal Musiala made it 4-1 in the 57th minute, while Nathaniel Brown’s composed volley gave the European side a commanding position.
Substitute Deniz Undav netted Germany’s sixth goal before Havertz wrapped up the victory.
In another Group E match, Ivory Coast registered a narrow 1-0 win over Ecuador. Amad Diallo scored the only goal of the match in the 90th minute.
A Group F clash between the Netherlands and Japan ended in a 2-2 draw.
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 51st minute with a header, but Keito Nakamura equalised for Japan in the 57th minute.
Crysencio Summerville’s 64th-minute goal gave the Dutch side a 2-1 lead, but Daichi Kamada’s strike in the 89th minute ensured Japan secured a point from the match.
Other Result: Group F: Sweden 5, Tunisia 1.
