ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Germany began their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey in devastating fashion, dismantling tournament newcomers Curaçao 7-1 in a dominant display. Despite the heavy defeat, the Caribbean nation celebrated a historic milestone by scoring its first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.

Making their maiden appearance at football’s biggest tournament, Curaçao entered the match as overwhelming underdogs against the four-time world champions. However, the tiny island nation of approximately 156,000 people etched its name into World Cup history when Livano Comenencia found the back of the net in the first half.

The goal, scored in the 21st minute, marked Curaçao’s first strike at a World Cup and briefly stunned the German supporters inside the stadium.

Germany had taken an early lead just six minutes into the encounter through Felix Nmecha, who curled a brilliant effort into the corner of the net after combining well with Florian Wirtz.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side appeared set for a comfortable evening, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. But Curaçao produced a memorable response when a well-worked team move culminated in Comenencia’s shot taking a slight deflection before beating veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

For a brief period, the World Cup debutants dared to dream of causing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Germany quickly reasserted their superiority. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a powerful header from a Nathaniel Brown cross before Kai Havertz added a third goal from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was brought down inside the area.

The second half began in the same manner the first ended, with Germany piling pressure on their overwhelmed opponents.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jamal Musiala extended the lead to 4-1, calmly finishing after being picked out by Joshua Kimmich.

Nathaniel Brown then crowned an impressive performance by scoring his first international goal with a well-taken volley, further increasing Germany’s advantage.

Substitute Deniz Undav also got on the scoresheet as Germany continued to carve open the Curaçao defence at will.

Kai Havertz completed his brace late in the match, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to seal a comprehensive 7-1 victory and cap a near-perfect opening outing for the European giants.

While the scoreline reflected Germany’s quality and experience, Curaçao left the pitch with a significant achievement of their own. Their historic goal ensured the nation’s first World Cup appearance will be remembered for more than the result.

As the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, Curaçao’s journey to the tournament has already become one of the competition’s most inspiring stories.

For Germany, the emphatic victory sends a strong message to their rivals as they pursue a fifth World Cup title. For Curaçao, despite the defeat, the night delivered a moment that will forever occupy a special place in the nation’s football history.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Four-time winners Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before turning on the style to win their Group E opener in Houston.

Die Mannschaft went ahead in the sixth minute with the tournament’s earliest goal so far coming from a powerful curling effort from one-time England youth international Felix Nmecha.

But they were stunned by a leveller from the smallest nation ever, by size and population, to take part in a World Cup.

With around 155,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island of just 171 square miles is smaller than the Isle of Man with a population the same as Huddersfield.

Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia wrote his name in Blue Wave folklore on 21 minutes with a left-footed drive from the edge of the box which deflected past Germany keeper Manuel Neuer, who was appearing in a fifth tournament at the age of 40.

Moments after Curacao striker Jurgen Locadia then had a penalty appeal waved away after nipping past Jonathan Tah, a hydration break midway through the half gave the unsettled Germans the opportunity to reset.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side did just that, showing fresh impetus in attack and restoring their lead after 17 minutes of parity through Nico Schlotterbeck’s flashing header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner to the near post.

The pressure intensified and a calm penalty from Kai Havertz in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage-time – following a rash lunge on the impressive Nmecha by Riechedly Bazoer – gave the eight-time finalists breathing space.

Just 69 seconds after the interval Jamal Musiala fired in an angled finish from Joshua Kimmich’s neat pass to signal Germany’s intent as they took control of the game.

Left-back Brown lashed home a volley after a neat flick from substitute Deniz Undav, who then swept home a sixth from Kimmich’s pass.

The former Brighton forward, now at Stuttgart, then set up Havertz for Germany’ s seventh goal two minutes from time, a lovely dink over Curacao keeper Eloy Room to seal a dominant success.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Ojomah Austin.

According to a report by Football London on June 13, 2026, some Chelsea supporters were reportedly unhappy with Enzo Maresca’s departure earlier this year, with many more frustrated by how the situation unfolded behind the scenes than by the exit itself.

The report suggests that internal disagreements within Chelsea’s leadership contributed to growing tensions, particularly over decision-making power in areas such as contracts, squad planning, and overall club direction. These issues are believed to have played a major role in the breakdown that led to Maresca leaving Stamford Bridge.

Despite the circumstances, Maresca is said to have remained highly valued by players. His tactical ideas, coaching methods, and man-management style reportedly earned strong approval in the dressing room, helping to build a positive and united squad that produced strong results on the pitch.

Although his time at Chelsea was brief, it was successful, with the club winning both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup under his guidance, boosting his reputation as one of Europe’s rising coaches.

Now managing Manchester City, Maresca is reportedly interested in reuniting with one of his former Chelsea players. French right-back Malo Gusto has emerged as a top target for the position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Journalist Marco Barzaghi claims that Manchester City have placed Gusto high on their defensive shortlist, with Maresca’s admiration playing a key role in the pursuit. The City manager is believed to value Gusto’s versatility, athletic ability, and tactical awareness, traits that impressed him during their time together at Chelsea.

Gusto has become an important player for Chelsea in recent seasons, particularly with Reece James struggling with injuries. He has consistently stepped in and delivered reliable performances, allowing James to occasionally play further forward or in central midfield.

Last season, Gusto made 49 appearances across all competitions, highlighting his importance and consistency. His pace, attacking threat, defensive recovery, and work rate have made him one of the most reliable modern full-backs in Chelsea’s squad.

Despite growing interest from top clubs, Chelsea are reluctant to sell. The club reportedly consider him a key long-term asset, especially with academy talent Josh Acheampong emerging as part of their future plans.

As the transfer window approaches, it remains uncertain whether Manchester City will succeed in their pursuit or if Chelsea will resist offers and keep one of their most dependable defenders.