Matchday recap: Germany hit seven, Japan stun the Dutch

Another round of group games brought a flood of goals — from a German rout to a Japanese fightback and a piece of World Cup history. Here is what happened.

Germany made the biggest noise. In their Group E opener, Julian Nagelsmann's side thrashed Curaçao — the smallest nation ever to qualify — 7-1. Felix Nmecha struck early before Livano Comenencia briefly levelled at 1-1, but a Kai Havertz brace (one penalty) and goals from Schlotterbeck, Musiala, Brown and Undav blew it open. Debutants Curaçao at least had a goal to celebrate.

For Japan, it was a night to remember. In Dallas, they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk's header (51') and a Crysencio Summerville finish (64') put the Dutch ahead each time, but Keito Nakamura (57') and a 89th-minute Daichi Kamada header from a corner earned Japan a hard-fought point against one of the favourites.

Also in Group F, Sweden hammered Tunisia 5-1 to go top of the group. Yasin Ayari scored twice (7', 90'+6'), with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also on target. Substitute Mattias Svanberg netted just 13 seconds after coming on — reported as the fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history (after a VAR offside check).

Group E produced an upset. Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0, substitute Amad Diallo firing a 90th-minute winner. Ecuador dominated and hit the woodwork repeatedly but could not score; the defeat ended their 19-match unbeaten run and gave Ivory Coast their first World Cup win in 12 years.

Live standings and qualification scenarios are on each group page, and the full fixture list — in your time zone — is on the schedule page.