Germany, four-time winners, enjoyed a successful World Cup liftoff in Houston on Sunday with a 7-1 demolition of World Cup debutants Curacao in their first Group 1 match. Players and fans breathed a collective sigh of relief following the victory.
Felix Nmecha scored the tournament's fastest goal so far and later drew a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Kai Havertz converted that penalty and added another goal, scoring twice as Germany pulled away late in the opening half and continued to pile on goals.
Throughout the match, the Germans remained largely clinical, controlled possession, and created chances at will. With this dominant performance, Germany sent a message to rivals that they should be in the conversation around potential winners of the tournament.