Julian Nagelsmann: I am very satisfied with the team's performance, but Curaçao played even better than expected.

Germany delivered a strong performance in their opening match of the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup, thrashing World Cup newcomers Curaçao 7-1 in Houston. Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Windaff, and Kai Havertz all scored, helping the team secure a favorable start in Group E. Several players were interviewed after the match.  

Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann said: "I am very satisfied with the team's performance. Although we were the favorites before the match, Curaçao played better than expected, and their playing style was different from before."  

“We conceded a goal on the opponent’s first attack, which forced us to readjust the rhythm of the game, especially since there are many new players in the team. Even in a game like this, you still have to go out there and score seven goals yourself. Overall, there are many positive factors, but there are also areas that need further analysis.”  

Manuel Neuer said: "The overall feeling is very positive. The key is that we started well and played with a sense of enjoyment, and the substitutes also injected a lot of energy into the team."  

“I’ve been looking forward to this day every day and I’ve always wanted to play. It feels great to play with the team. If that shot hadn’t deflected, I could have saved it; I just didn’t have enough time to react. I was hoping to keep a clean sheet.”  

Felix Nmecha said: "I'm still processing all of this, but I can only say I'm very happy. This is a special moment for me and my family, and for the team as well. We can learn a lot from this game, and now we have to take it one game at a time."  

Nathaniel Brown said, "It's hard to describe the feeling of scoring in my first World Cup match. My family was there, which made it even more special."  

“We still need to keep working hard. This goal was unnecessary, but it did make us more alert to some extent. Once the team got into the game, we had the game completely under our control. Scoring this many goals can boost our confidence, but we must continue to correct our mistakes.”  

Image source: Internet/German National Team official website