European giants Germany and Sweden recorded big wins in a free-scoring fourth day of action at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as 19 goals flew in venues across the United States.
Germany trounced tiny Caribbean island country of Curacao by 7-1 in a Group E match at Houston Stadium Sunday.
After Felix Nmecha had fired Germany in front early on, the Concacaf debutants drew level through Livano Comenecia midway through the opening half. For a brief period, Curaçao were living the dream, having scored their maiden World Cup goal within minutes of taking the field for their first match in the history of the tournament. But the joy of the equalizer didn't last long as two quick-fire goals just before the interval had Germany back in control.
The European giants didn't ease up after the break, with Jamal Musiala, World Cup debutant Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav adding further goals to help Germany start with a bang.
At 40 years and 79 days, veteran goal keeper Manuel Neuer became the oldest German player to feature at a major tournament, breaking the record previously held by Lothar Matthaus, set at UEFA EURO 2000.
In the second Group E game held at the Philadelphia Stadium, Ivory Coast prevailed over Ecuador by a last minute goal. This pulsating showdown appeared headed for a scoreless tie, until substitute Amad Diallo scored for the African powerhouse in the final minute of regulation time.
Both Germany and Ivory Coast have three points each, but the former leads the group on better goal average.
In a pulsating Group F match, Japan twice fought back from a goal down to draw with the Netherlands 2-2 at the Dallas Stadium. Twice the Netherlands took the lead and twice a dogged Japan worked hard to hit back. After a tight opening half, the contest sprung to life after the break, with all four goals coming in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk's header had the Netherlands in front in the 50th minute, only for Keito Nakamura to pull Japan level seven minutes later. The same period of time passed before Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead but Japan weren't done, as a deflected Daichi Kamada shot late on saw the Asian team clinching a well-deserved draw.
The Monterrey Stadium witnessed Sunday's second one-sided match as Sweden blew up Tunisia 5-1, making them the leader in Group F.
Sweden entered the tournament in mixed form but opened their campaign with a big win over their African opponents. A pair of brilliant long-range shots from 22-year-old midfielder Yasin Ayari sparkled in the Swedes' impressive win. Ayari's father is of Tunisian origin. Forward Alexander Isak also starred with a couple of assists and a goal.
Monday's match schedule (all times in ET):
12:00 Spain v Cabo Verde (Group H)
12:00 Belgium v Egypt (Group G)
18:00 Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (Group H)
18:00 IR Iran v New Zealand (Group G)
by Joji Xavier
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