Curaçao debut with a goal and a 7–1 lesson from Germany

Germany 7–1: the night Curaçao stepped onto the world stage

It was historic, and it was brutal. Curaçao 1–7 Germany in Houston, your team's first World Cup match, and the gulf was immediate (1) (2) (3). Dick Advocaat was visibly emotional before kick-off, the man who has seen everything, and this still got to him.

Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Felix Nmecha ran the show. Deniz Undav came off the bench and delivered a goal and two assists in 24 minutes (1). Germany hesitated early, then did not stop.

Curaçao scored. A World Cup goal, in your first ever match. Hold on to that.

Löw: "Don't get too euphoric"

Joachim Löw was not impressed with Germany despite the scoreline. "Niet te euforisch worden," he said, don't get too euphoric (1). The former Germany coach knows the 7–1 proves nothing against better opposition.

Kimmich on Sané: the criticism is unfair

Joshua Kimmich defended Leroy Sané after the match, calling the criticism "nicht verständlich", not understandable (6) (7). The Germany captain did not mince words about the team atmosphere either: "Hier ist nicht jeden Tag Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen", it is not peace, joy, and pancakes every day here (5).

He also singled out Felix Nmecha: "One of the most talented players we have" (8).

Klopp talks up Nathaniel Brown after Bayern links

Jürgen Klopp had plenty to say about Nathaniel Brown, who impressed against Curaçao. "It was a real pleasure to watch him last season. Should Eintracht Frankfurt decide to let him go, I would strongly advise them to make sure they get a good price for him" (4). Bayern Munich have noticed.

Ivory Coast up Saturday, and Kimmich is already warning about Diomandé

Kimmich is already looking ahead to Germany's next Group E match against Ivory Coast on Saturday. He singled out Yan Diomandé: "A year ago almost nobody knew him. He had an exceptional season. His dribbling is exceptional, a bit like Kingsley Coman at Bayern. Incredible speed" (9).

Snake panic at Germany camp

A snake was found at Germany's team base after the Curaçao match. Panic, briefly. No one hurt (10). Your team may have lost, but at least you did not have to evacuate for a reptile.

Eight teams ended goal droughts at this World Cup

Ivory Coast are among eight nations that ended a World Cup goal drought at this tournament (11). They will not be short on confidence when they face Germany.