The romance of the FIFA World Cup will be on full display at 6pm UK time on Sunday evening. Four-time champions Germany, a behemoth of the footballing world, take on the smallest minnows in the tournament’s history. By population, Curacao have smashed the record as the World Cup’s tiniest nation.
Unsurprisingly, these two countries have never faced off in a game of football. Houston will be the destination for this David vs Goliath clash in Group E, as Curacao attempt to the impossible and gain a result against their vaunted opponents. Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador lie in wait elsewhere in the group.
Germany vs Curacao Match Odds
Germany are heavy 1/16 favourites to beat Curacao. Dick Advocaat’s men are, in places, a massive 45/1 to cause one of the great upsets, while a draw can be backed at 18/1.
Germany vs Curacao Tips & Predictions
There are 72 group stage games at this year’s World Cup. There is no stronger favourite in any of those matches than Germany in this game. Die Mannschaft are a best price of 1/16 to complete an opening victory.
Germany’s World Cup triumphs have hinged on their collective power rather than individual ingenuity. This particular iteration of Germany is gradually building back towards such collective power, but their success at this tournament will likely owe more to the creative nous of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Neither excelled at club level this term, the former battling injuries, but they each showed flashes of brilliance at Euro 2024 and have two more years’ experience now.
They will almost certainly win this game, but a combination of match sharpness, weather conditions, and Curacao’s own abilities could keep the scoreline down enough. It is set to be 31 degrees Celcius in Houston at kick off time and the underdogs may cope with that particular brand of heat better than Germany.
Similarly, while they eventually conceded four to Scotland in a warm-up match, Curacao were 1-0 up when it was 11 vs 11. Their indiscipline cost them, receiving three cards in the match and it is surprising that “over 3 cards to be shown” is available at odds against. That includes the potential for a German player to be carded, while Curacao even had a player booked in their 4-0 win over Aruba last time out.
From a result and shooting aspect, Kai Havertz will likely lead the line and Germany should score multiple. 3-0 at a best price of 13/2 looks value, even as favourite in the current scoreline betting. Havertz should get on the scoresheet, though as an occasionally profligate shooter, 7/4 about him having more than 2.5 shots on target, rather than banking on goals scored, looks a safer way of playing to his abilities.
Our Tips for Germany vs Curacao
Kai Havertz to Have Over 2.5 Shots On Target @ 7/4
Over 3 Total Cards Shown @ 7/4
Germany to Win 3-0 @ 13/2
Germany vs Curacao Head-To-Head
This is the first time the two nations will meet. Germany have played in all but two editions of the FIFA World Cup, as either West Germany or a united nation, whereas Curacao are making their debut at the tournament.
Germany vs Curacao World Cup Record
In terms of pedigree, you could not have a less even match-up.
Germany have won four World Cups, the latest in 2014. Other victories came when hosting in 1954 before further wins in 1974 and 1990. They have also finished as runners-up on four occasions, though their recent record is surprisingly flat. They have been knocked out in the group stage at the last two World Cups.
Germany have only missed two tournaments in all: the inaugural edition in 1930, and when banned from competing after World War II in 1950.
Curacao meanwhile, are about to compete in their first ever finals. They were aided by the absence of hosts Canada, Mexico and the USA in qualifying, but did not lose across two different stages. They topped an initial second round group containing fellow eventual qualifiers Haiti, beating them 5-0 away from home in the process, then held off Jamaica in the final qualifying group stage to seal a history-breaking procession to the tournament.
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