Four stars on the shirt and seven goals in the net; Germany spoil Curacao's World Cup debut

The small Caribbean island nation of Curacao fought a long way to reach the FIFA World Cup, but their debut against Germany is one they can't forget.

Starting the match as underdogs, they even managed to scare the Germans early on, making the score 1-1, but were soon reminded why the German shirt carries four stars.

The four-time world champions found the net six times thereafter to seal a 7-1 victory in the Group E match at Houston Stadium in Houston.

And the Germans crushed Curacao's spirit at the start of the second half. Germany were leading 3-1 and Curacao still harboured hopes of a comeback. But then Jamal Musiala, often referred to as the next Messi, showed why he has earned that tag. Receiving the ball near the post, he used clever footwork to beat his marker and slot home.

From that moment on, Curacao players knew the game had slipped from their hands. The attacking and counter-attacking football that had characterised the first half slowed considerably, with Germany firmly in control. And after Musiala's 47th-minute goal, three more followed.

Nathaniel Brown scored in the 68th minute, Deniz Undav added another in the 78th, and Kai Havertz completed his brace 10 minutes later. Curacao were never able to mount a comeback thereafter.

The second half was unlike anything seen in the first. The opening 45 minutes had given fans a display of attacking football at its finest, with Germany taking the early initiative. Attack after attack, they raided the Curacao box until the breakthrough came in the sixth minute.

Germany pressed forward relentlessly and, after a shot was deflected, Florian Wirtz perfectly teed up Felix Nmecha outside the box. The midfielder struck first time, leaving Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room rooted to the spot as Germany opened the scoring.

The Germans continued to attack, but Curacao capitalised on counter-attacks, and their efforts bore fruit in the 21st minute. The ball fell to Livano Comenencia, whose shot beat both the defender and Manuel Neuer before finding the back of the net.

However, the lead lasted only 17 minutes. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck capitalised on a header to restore Germany's advantage and keep Curacao at bay.

And it was not the end. Germany maintained possession and worked hard to snuff out Curacao's counter-attacks, making life increasingly difficult for the Caribbean side. A penalty just before the half time, and taken by Kai Havertz, gave Germany a comfortable lead.

Earlier, the highlight of the match had been Manuel Neuer's return to international football. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who had retired from international duty before reversing his decision earlier this year, was recalled by coach Julian Nagelsmann after an impressive season in which he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Neuer was one of the key figures in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, winning the tournament's Golden Glove award for his outstanding performances. However, in the 2018 and 2022 editions, Germany crashed out in the group stage.

And to make matters worse, ahead of the World Cup, their number one choice, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was sidelined due to an injury, and that offered a chance for the experienced Neuer. "All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

Lineups:

Germany: Manuel Neuer, Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala; Kai Havertz.

Curacao: Eloy Room; Sherel Floranus; Riechedly Bazoer, Sontje Hansen, Armando Obispo, Deveron Fonville, ; Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia; Tahith Chong, Jurgen Locadia