Curacao, already record-breakers as the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, have made more history after scoring against Germany in their debut game.
Livano Comenencia equalised for the Carribean nation in the 21st minute to send their fans and players alike in raptures.
Felix Nmecha had earlier netted the fastest goal of the competition so far as four-time winners Germany raced into the early lead in Texas.
The Borussia Dortmund player scored just over five minutes into the game, curling home from Florian Wirtz’s lay-off to give Julian Nagelsmann’s side the early advantage.
But just as Die Mannschaft were looking to extend their advantage in a bid to avoid a third-straight World Cup opening game defeat and banish memories of recent failures, Curacao ripped up the script by drawing level.
Comenencia rifled home courtesy of a minor deflection to send the ball past the sprawling Manuel Neuer – Germany’s oldest-ever player – and send shockwaves throughout the competition.
Jubilation could be seen on the face of Curacao’s manager, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who becomes the oldest World Cup manager.
The Dutch coach will be hoping to use all of his vast experience to make things as difficult as possible for the four-time winners and cause one of the competition’s all-time great upsets.
