Three things learned as Germany cruised to a 7-1 win over Curaçao | OneFootball

Germany produced another dominant attacking display with a 7-1 victory over Curaçao in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but beyond the scoreline, the match offered Julian Nagelsmann several important talking points as the tournament progresses. 

From a wave of World Cup debutants to difficult selection decisions in attack, here are three key lessons from the emphatic win.

Germany’s World Cup debutants rose to the occasion

One of the biggest positives from the evening was the performance of Germany’s five World Cup debutants: Nathaniel Brown, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović, Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck. Despite the significance of the occasion, all five looked comfortable and played with confidence, giving Nagelsmann valuable options in the latter stages of the tournament.

Brown impressed with his energy and willingness to get forward, while Nmecha added physicality and balance in midfield. Pavlović continued to showcase the composure and intelligence that have made him one of Germany’s brightest young talents. At the back, Tah and Schlotterbeck provided stability and helped Germany dominate possession while limiting Curaçao’s attacking opportunities.

Rather than simply gaining experience, the quintet demonstrated that they can contribute meaningfully at World Cup level. Their performances also highlight the depth available to Nagelsmann, who may need to rotate his squad as the competition advances.

Should Leroy Sané still be a starter?

Leroy Sané’s display will once again raise questions about his place in the starting lineup. The winger remained heavily involved in Germany’s attacking play and regularly found himself in dangerous positions, but his finishing and decision-making in key moments left room for improvement.

The issue has never been Sané’s ability to create separation or threaten defenders with his pace. Instead, it is his consistency in the final third. Against Curaçao, Germany’s overall superiority meant those missed opportunities had little impact on the result, but the margin for error will be far smaller against the tournament’s elite sides.

Nagelsmann has several attacking options capable of changing games, such as Jamie Leweling, and continued inefficiency from Sané could open the door for competition in the starting eleven.

Deniz Undav is making a compelling case to start

If one player strengthened his claim for a larger role, it was Deniz Undav. Introduced from the bench, the striker once again made an immediate impact, bringing intensity, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal.

Undav has repeatedly shown that he can change matches as a substitute, but his latest cameo raises a broader question about whether he deserves to start. His link-up play, positioning and instinct inside the penalty area provide Germany with a different attacking profile, and he often appears to make those around him better.

While his role as a super substitute has proven valuable, Undav’s recent performances suggest he merits serious consideration for a place in Nagelsmann’s starting lineup. If he continues producing at this level, it may become increasingly difficult to justify leaving him on the bench.

GGFN | Felipe