HOUSTON — The scoreboard said 7–1. The story, however, had a subplot that left even the most casual fan scratching their head. Germany tore through World Cup first-timers Curacao on Thursday night at NRG Stadium, piling on six unanswered goals after the Caribbean side had the audacity to equalize in the 21st minute. But while Kai Havertz and a substitute named Deniz Undav stole the headlines, one established forward spent 90 minutes searching for a moment that never came.
Livano Comenencia made history before the half-hour mark, slotting home Curacao’s first-ever World Cup goal and briefly silencing a pro-German crowd. That celebration lasted about as long as a Texas thunderstorm. Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time, and Germany never looked back. The final margin: 7–1. The vibe for Leroy Sané: frustration.
Havertz Carries the Load
Kai Havertz delivered exactly what Germany needed from its talisman: two goals, constant movement, and a clinical edge that’s been missing from the national team since its back-to-back group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. His penalty just before halftime sent Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room the wrong way, restoring Germany’s lead. His second, a composed left-footed finish in the 88th minute off Undav’s assist, punctuated the rout.
It wasn’t just the goals. Havertz dropped deep to pull defenders out of position, drifted wide to create overloads, and made the kind of runs that leave debutants dizzy. On a night when Germany scored seven, he was the only player to hit the net twice — and that distinction mattered.
Undav’s 26-Minute Masterclass
Deniz Undav entered in the 64th minute for Jamal Musiala. By the final whistle, he had a goal, two assists, and a highlight reel that will live on for a while. His backheel assist to Nathaniel Brown in the 68th minute was the kind of moment that makes coaches reconsider their starting XI. Ten minutes later, he took a Joshua Kimmich cross and buried a right-footed finish. Then, at 88, he returned the favor to Havertz.
Three goal involvements in 26 minutes. That’s efficiency. For Julian Nagelsmann, it’s also proof that Germany’s bench can swing a knockout game. Curacao’s legs were gone; Undav made them pay.
The Man Who Couldn’t Find the Net
Leroy Sané’s night was the opposite of Undav’s. The Bayern Munich winger had the clearest chance of the match in the 63rd minute — a one-on-one with Room after Jonathan Tah’s through ball — and put his left-footed shot wide. That moment summed up his evening. Yes, Curacao blocked a couple of his attempts. Yes, one early shot deflected off a defender. But on a night when Havertz, Musiala, and Nmecha all scored, and Undav did everything but sign autographs, Sané left Houston without a goal or an assist.
Fans online noted the gap. The contrast with his fellow attackers was stark. Sané’s finishing and decision-making let him down in promising positions throughout both halves. It was an underwhelming individual night inside a dominant team performance — and those tend to get noticed.
What This Means for Germany
Seven goals in a World Cup opener sends a message, even against a debutant. Germany’s attack looks deeper than it did in 2018 or 2022. The questions about cutting edge? Havertz answered them Thursday. Undav gave Nagelsmann a weapon off the bench. Sané, meanwhile, gave him something to think about.
Curacao walks away with a historic moment and a reminder of the gulf between World Cup regulars and the rest. Germany walks away with a statement win — and one very awkward film session.
Leave a Comment