Germany run riot, Japan survive, Iran land amid political tensions

Germany launched their World Cup campaign with a resounding 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao on Sunday. Despite a brief equalizer from Livano Comenencia, Germany quickly asserted dominance. Felix Nmecha put them ahead, and Kai Havertz scored twice, including a penalty, to underline their superiority.

"It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalised. Curaçao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. "I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important, and we're glad we managed it."

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It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalised. Curaçao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward.

In other matches, Japan fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk's header was canceled out by Keito Nakamura, and though Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead, Daichi Kamada's deflected equalizer in the 89th minute earned Japan a point. Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0 with a last-gasp goal from Amad Diallo, while Sweden routed Tunisia 5-1.

Meanwhile, Iran's players arrived in the United States after months of uncertainty, issuing a call for unity off the field.

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I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important, and we're glad we managed it.