Curacao's historical debut ends in disaster

Some say it was only the increased format of the World Cup which brought Curacao to the big stage, but whatever the reason, this small country in the Caribbean arrived to the USA for its maiden debut in the biggest FIFA competition. And all pre-tournament talk was fairytale like and Curacao finally got into the history books tonight. They debuted at the World Cup in the country’s history, they scored their debut goal after just 21 minutes, and they allowed a record seven goals. To dream is one thing, but to make a debut appearance on the biggest stage against mighty Germany is totally different. “Die Mannschaft” didn’t want their name to be dragged in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons. So unlike Switzerland and Turkey, they proved their ‘favorites’ tag and crushed the small Cuaracao 7-1.

Unlike Brazil, who had to face Morocco in the first game, Germany did have a much easier option and this win will be good for a self-confidence boost and will keep the German journalists at bay, avoiding the critical reporting at least for now. Julian Nagelsmann’s men were concentrated and played well, but the score should have been even bigger, if we consider chances missed. The only ‘uncertainty’ in this match was how long will it take for Germany to score the second goal, after Curacao surprisingly equalized in the 21st minute. German players needed 17 minutes to restore the lead and everybody at the stadium new there will be no miracle. In the end, Germany did what they always do, play and try to score until the last second of the game. When they play, nobody leaves the stadium as goals are expected until the very end.

The game started with a goal, when Dortmund’s Nmecha’s precise shot into the bottom right corner ended up in the next. It was just sixth minute of the match. And while the crowd was already anticipated more goals, a surprise equalizer followed. Curacao launched a swift counter again, and with Schlotterbeck unable to clear the ball completely, it fell at the feet of Comenencia. His shot was deflected by Kimmich, leaving Neuer with little chance to react and keep it out. But the score was about to chance in about 17 mintues. Schlotterbeck was a constant threat after the corner, and finally he scored in the 38th minute. Kai Havertz was the only player who scored two goals and his first came after a penalty in injury time. Arsenal forward wasn’t subbed and waited his second chance, which came in the 88th minute, when he concluded Germany’s scoring for the day. Between his two goals, Bayern’s newly acquired defender Nathaniel Brown scored another one, Musala had the best goal of the day at the start of the second half, while Denis Undav came as a substitution and quickly scored another one. Nagelsmann will be pleased that six different players scored in his team. Ivory Coast will have to prepare for this Germany team.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Thursday, 11.06.

Mexico - S.Africa 2-0 (1-0)

/Quinones 9, Jimenez 67/

Friday, 12. 06.

South Korea - Czech Republic 2-1 (0-0)

/Hwang In Beom 67, Oh Hyeon-Gyu 80 - Krejci 59/

Canada - B&H 1-1 (0-1)

/Larin 78 - Lukic 21/

Saturday, 13.06.

USA - Paraguay 4-1 (3-0)

/Bobadilla 7 og, Balogun 31, 45+5, Reyna 90+8 - Mauricio 73/

Qatar - Switzerland 1-1 (0-1)

/Khoukhi 90+4 - Embolo 17 pen/

Sunday, 14.06.

Brazil - Morocco 1-1 (1-1)

/Vinicius 42- Saibari 21/

Haiti 0-1 Scotland (0-1)

/McGinn 29/

Australia - Turkey 2-0 (1-0)

/Irankunda 27, Metcalfe 75/

Germany - Curacao 7-1 (3-1)

/Nmecha 6, Schlotterbeck 38, Havertz 45+3(p), 88, Musiala 47, Brown 68, Undav 78 - Comenencia 21/

23.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)