HOUSTON (DA) — Livano Comenencia gave Curaçao a historic World Cup goal Sunday, briefly pulling the Blue Wave level before Germany’s quality and finishing took over in a 7-1 Group E win at Houston Stadium.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the sixth minute, but Curaçao answered through Comenencia in the 21st. The goal gave Curaçao a strong moment in a difficult opener against one of football’s biggest nations.
Germany responded before halftime. Nico Schlotterbeck scored in the 38th minute, and Kai Havertz added another in first-half stoppage time to give Germany a 3-1 lead at the break.
Germany pulled away in the second half. Jamal Musiala scored in the 47th minute, Nathaniel Brown in the 68th, Deniz Undav in the 78th and Havertz again in the 88th.
Germany had the clearer chances and controlled long stretches of the match. Curaçao still had moments going forward, including Comenencia’s first-half finish, but Germany’s pressure and depth made the difference.
After the match, Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat said Germany was stronger in quality and that Curaçao had expected to do more. He said the next match must be treated separately, with the group moving one game at a time.
Curaçao plays Ecuador on June 20 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City.
Advocaat also addressed the emotion he showed around the anthem, saying it was connected to the joy of the people in Curaçao despite the final score.
He said Curaçao’s players have the willingness to work and that part of the group is not a concern. Advocaat also pointed to the time it took to bring the team together, with many players based in Europe and some earlier in their careers hoping to play for the Netherlands.
The scoreline was heavy, and Germany deserved the win. But Curaçao left Houston with a World Cup goal, another Group E match ahead and a chance to respond against Ecuador.