Germany lead Curacao 3-1 at half-time in their opening 2026 World Cup Group match in Houston after a fast start, a brief setback and a strong finish to the first half. Nmecha, Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz scored for Germany after Livano Comenencia levelled for Curacao.
Germany took control early, pushing numbers forward in possession and stretching Curacao across the pitch. Nmecha opened the scoring after sustained pressure, finishing a move that came from sharp passing and forward movement in central areas.
Curacao responded on 28 minutes when Livano Comenencia struck to level the match, finishing a move that came after Germany lost control of possession. The equaliser came against the run of sustained German pressure and gave Curacao a brief lift.
Germany tightened again after the goal. They forced repeated attacks down both flanks and kept Curacao pinned inside their own half. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead from a corner, attacking the near post and heading in unmarked.
Curacao defended deep after that but struggled to hold territory. Germany continued to create chances, with Kai Havertz adding a third in stoppage time after a penalty situation, finishing calmly with a side-footed effort.
Germany ended the half in full control of possession and territory. Curacao worked hard in defensive phases but could not sustain pressure after their equaliser.
