Germany started their campaign in the 2026 World Cup with a landslide victory over debutants Curacao in the first match of Group E at the NRG Stadium, Houston, USA on Monday.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring with the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Kai Havert scored two goals, while Nico Schlotterbeck, Joshua Kimmich, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav contributed one goal.
This victory puts Germany in the lead of Group E with three points, while Curacao is at the bottom of the standings, according to the FIFA website.
Nmecha put Germany 1-0 up in the 6th minute after curling a shot following a one-two combination with Florian Wirtz to beat Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room.
After Kai Havert scored two goals at the end of the match, he won the title of Superior Player of The Macth. (Instagram @fifaworldcup)
Curacao gave a surprise through the equalizer goal scored by Livano Comenencia in the 21st minute. But not long after Germany took over the game.
Schlotterbeck brought Germany back to the lead in the 38th minute with a header from Nathaniel Brown's corner.
Havertz then widened the lead to 3-1 through a penalty in the first half injury time after Nmecha was brought down by Riechedly Bazoer.
In the second half, Joshua Kimmich scored Germany's fourth goal in the 47th minute, followed by Nathaniel Brown's goal in the 68th minute.
Undav scored a goal in the 78th minute before Havertz completed a brace in the 88th minute following a breakthrough pass from Undav.
This match is also a historic record for Manuel Neuer. The veteran German goalkeeper became the second goalkeeper in history to appear in five World Cup editions after Mexican legend Antonio Carbajal who played in the 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, and 1966 editions.
Line-up Germany (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer (k); Joshua Kimmich (Waldemar Anton 83'), Jonathan Tah (Antonio Rudiger 73'), Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown (David Raum 73'); Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala (Deniz Undav 64'), Florian Wirtz; Kai Havertz
Curacao (4-4-2): Eloy Room; Sherel Floranus, Riechedly Bazoer, Armando Obispo, Deveron Fonville; Tahith Chong (Gervane Kastaneer 83'), Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna (k), Juninho Bacuna; Jearl Margaritha (masuk 65'), Jürgen Locadia
After Kai Havert scored two goals at the end of the match, he won the title of Superior Player of The Macth. (Instagram @fifaworldcup)
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