Curaçao enjoy their moment but Havertz and ruthless Germany show no mercy
Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. While Germany dominated the scoreline, the match was highlighted by a historic goal from Curaçao's Livano Comenencia.
Why it matters
This match represents a significant milestone for the small island nation of Curaçao on the global sporting stage.
Kai Havertz scores his second and Germany’s seventh goal in the World Cup Group D opener in Houston. Photograph: Lars Baron/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Kai Havertz scores his second and Germany’s seventh goal in the World Cup Group D opener in Houston. Photograph: Lars Baron/Getty Images World Cup 2026 Curaçao enjoy their moment but Havertz and ruthless Germany show no mercy Nick Ames at Houston Stadium Sun 14 Jun 2026 15.17 EDT Last modified on Sun 14 Jun 2026 21.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The net rippled and Curaçao’s bench exploded in every conceivable direction, their giddiness underpinned by a firm awareness of the goal’s place in history. Livano Comenencia had just equalised against Germany and an island of about 158,000 inhabitants, represented here by an accomplished group born almost entirely in the Netherlands, could revel disbelievingly in the moment it had dreamed of.
The reporting is factual and focuses on the sporting outcome and the narrative of the underdog.
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