Germany thrashes Curaçao 7-1 as Japan draws with Netherlands in World Cup action

Germany asserted its dominance on the fourth day of the 2026 World Cup, crushing debutants Curaçao 7-1. Felix Nmecham opened the scoring early, but Curaçao's Livano Comenencia equalized in the 21st minute, marking a historic first goal for the small nation in the tournament.

However, Germany, nicknamed 'Die Mannschaft,' quickly reasserted control. Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Denis Undav all found the net, completing a comprehensive performance that positions Julian Nagelsmann's squad as group leaders and strong title contenders. Havertz's brace places him alongside Folarin Balogun at the top of the goal-scoring charts. This dominant win also propelled Germany to become the all-time leading World Cup scorers, surpassing Brazil by one goal.

In other Group E action, Costa Rica secured a late 1-0 victory over Ecuador with an injury-time goal from Amad Diallo, ending Ecuador's impressive 19-match unbeaten streak. The South American team's last defeat prior to this was against Brazil in September 2024.

Group F saw a dramatic encounter where Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Dutch, but Keito Nakamura quickly equalized for Japan. Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands' lead with a spectacular goal, only for Daichi Kamada to score a late equalizer for Japan in the 89th minute. Sweden also had a strong showing, defeating Tunisia 5-1 with a brace from Yasin Ayari and goals from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Mattias Svanberg. Omar Rekik scored Tunisia's lone goal.

Across the twelve matches played so far in the tournament, a total of 38 goals have been scored, averaging 3.16 goals per game.

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Tenacity and resilience, the two virtues that the Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu uses to describe his team, served the Samurai Blues to equalize twice in their match against the Netherlands.