After suffering group-stage exits in the last two FIFA World Cups, Germany sent out a strong statement in their opening match of the tournament. Their emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao demonstrated exactly why they arrived at the World Cup on the back of nine consecutive wins.

While Curaçao may not be considered one of world football’s traditional powerhouses, Germany’s dominant performance should not be underestimated. The Germans showcased the hallmarks that have defined their football for decades — precision, efficiency, and an ability to cover ground rapidly with purposeful movement.

Joshua Kimmich and his teammates displayed exceptional tactical awareness, creating space in dangerous areas and executing sharp, incisive passing moves throughout the game. Their clinical approach resulted in seven well-crafted goals.

The quality of Germany’s finishing was particularly impressive. Nelson Weiper calmly converted after a slick one-touch move inside the box, while Jamal Musiala demonstrated his class by holding off a defender before producing a perfectly placed finish. Another standout moment came when Germany exchanged a series of quick passes in the penalty area before Brown volleyed home with his right foot for the team's fifth goal. The entire performance resembled a well-oiled machine operating at full capacity.

The match also featured an intriguing managerial battle between World Cup’s oldest coach, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, and one of its youngest, Julian Nagelsmann. However, the experienced Dutch tactician had little answer to Germany’s relentless attacking display.

Curaçao, the smallest nation competing in the World Cup, covers just 171 square miles and has a population of approximately 150,000. Most of the squad has Dutch heritage, but despite conceding seven goals, they continued to play positive, attacking football. Their reward came when Comenencia scored, becoming the first player in Curaçao’s history to find the net at a World Cup.

Kai Havertz scored twice for Germany, while Weiper, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Brown, and Deniz Undav each added a goal to complete a commanding opening-day victory.

Germany’s World Cup campaign could hardly have begun in more convincing fashion.