Germany run riot in 7-1 win as Curaçao score historic first World Cup goal

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany thrashed debutants Curaçao 7-1 in Houston — but Livano Comenencia's equaliser, the nation's first-ever World Cup goal, was the moment that will be remembered.

Germany announced their World Cup intentions in emphatic style, thrashing tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 at Houston Stadium — but not before the tiny Caribbean nation wrote their own slice of history.

Julian Nagelsmann's side were ahead inside six minutes, Felix Nmecha finishing a slick move worked by Florian Wirtz. The bigger story, briefly, belonged to Curaçao: on 21 minutes Livano Comenencia levelled to score the nation's first-ever World Cup goal — a landmark moment for the smallest territory ever to reach the finals.

The parity did not last. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead on 38 minutes and Kai Havertz made it 3-1 deep in first-half stoppage time. Two minutes after the restart Jamal Musiala added a fourth, and from there it became an exhibition.

Nathaniel Brown marked his tournament with a goal on 68 minutes, Deniz Undav made it six, and Havertz completed his brace late on to round off a ruthless seven-goal display.

Germany move to the top of Group E with a statement of intent and a healthy goal difference. For Curaçao, the scoreline stings, but Comenencia's goal — and simply being on this stage — is a story their fans will tell for generations.

For neutrals in Kenya, it was a night of two contrasting joys: German firepower in full flow, and an underdog nation savouring a World Cup first.