Curacao score first-ever World Cup goal in debut match, Comenencia nets the ball against Germany
Houston, June 14
History was made on Sunday as Curacao scored their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, with the tournament debutants finding the net against mighty Germany in Sunday's Group E clash.
Germany were all over them but that did not matter as Livano Comenencia scored a historic goal for his side.
The smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup is holding Germany at 1-1 at the time of filing the report.
Germany attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala was handed a starting role for the Group E opener against Curacao, despite still working his way back to peak form after a broken leg sidelined him for more than six months last year.
In a notable selection call, Germany's in-form striker Deniz Undav, who finished as the Bundesliga's second-highest scorer this season behind Harry Kane, started on the bench.
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, the sole remaining member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, made his first international appearance since coming out of retirement.
The 40-year-old was surprisingly recalled to the national team less than a month ago and has been preferred over Oliver Baumann, who was expected to start the tournament as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper.
For Curacao, head coach Dick Advocaat has named experienced midfielder Tahith Chong in the starting lineup as the Caribbean nation, the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, made its historic tournament debut.
Line Ups:
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala; Kai Havertz.
Curacao: Eloy Room; Sherel Floranus; Riechedly Bazoer, Sontje Hansen, Armando Obispo, Deveron Fonville, ; Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia; Tahith Chong, Jurgen Locadia.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Absolutely incredible achievement for Curacao! But I worry Germany's defensive setup needs serious work - Neuer coming out of retirement at 40 and conceding in the first half to a debutant nation? Maybe they should stick with Baumann.
As an Indian football fan, this gives me hope! If Curacao can qualify for a World Cup and even score against Germany, why can't we? With proper grassroots development and infrastructure, we can dream too. Also, Livano Comenencia - remember that name, folks! 🎯
Fair play to Curacao, what a moment for them! But let's be real - Germany should be dominating this match. Starting Musiala when he's clearly not match fit and benching Undav who scored 22 goals this season seems like tactical overthinking from the German coach. And Neuer at 40? Risky.
What a fairytale moment for Curacao! Dick Advocaat has done wonders with this team. As a football fan from India, I feel so happy for the Caribbean brothers. It proves that passion and hard work can overcome any odds - even against a giant like Germany. Jai Ho Curacao! ⚽🎉
Smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup and they score against Germany in their debut match - this is what football dreams are made of! 🌟 However, I think Germany needs to rebuild properly. Relying on a 40-year-old Neuer and playing Musiala out of form shows they haven't planned well for the future.
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