Germany put seven past plucky debutants Curacao

There are not many 7-1 games in which the one feels wholly more significant than the seven.

- LAWRENCE OSTLERE

But Germany have scored many World Cup goals before and they will score many more. In contrast, Curacao’s goal here in Houston was a moment that will forever be etched into the country’s story.

The ball broke loose in the German penalty area and when it fell invitingly to right-back Livano Comenencia, stomachs tightened and eyes bulged. A stadium watched as Comenencia’s left-footed shot deflected off the underside of Germany captain Joshua Kimmich’s leg, into the ground and up over the outstretched hands of Manuel Neuer. Germany 1-1 Curacao, and Neuer’s first task in his fifth World Cup was to pick the ball out of the net.

Curacaoan players rushed to the corner in a delirious bundle. Their 78-year-old coach, Dick Advocaat, stood on the touchline with his arms raised in the air like a triumphant gladiator. All around him there was bedlam, substitutes running, coaches falling, a swathe of blue fans behind the dugout embracing the nearest person and dancing with joy.