On the morning of June 15, the fourth competitive day of the FIFA World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, concluded. Four matches of the first round of the group stage were held on this day.
Group E
Germany — Curaçao — 7:1 (Houston, Texas, USA)
The German national team achieved a crushing victory over the World Cup debutant team from Curaçao.
Goals for Germany: Felix Nmecha (6th minute), Nico Schlotterbeck (38), Kai Havertz (45+5, penalty; 88), Jamal Musiala (47), Nathaniel Brown (68), Deniz Undav (78).
Goal for Curaçao: Livano Comenencia (21).
Important context: The Curaçao national team ranks 82nd in the FIFA rankings and is participating in the World Cup for the first time in history. The team is led by former coach of the Russian national team (2010–2012) and St. Petersburg's Zenit (2006–2009), Dick Advocaat. At 78, he became the oldest coach in tournament history.
Historic achievement: After a crushing victory over Curaçao, the German national team became the most prolific team in World Cup history. The Germans brought their total number of World Cup goals to 239, surpassing Brazil, which has 238 goals.
Ivory Coast — Ecuador — 1:0 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)
The match ended with a narrow victory for the Ivory Coast national team. The only goal was scored by Manchester United midfielder Amad Diallo in the 90th minute.
Standings in Group E: Along with Germany and Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador compete in the quartet.
Second round schedule: Ivory Coast will play against Germany on June 20, and Ecuador will face Curaçao on June 21.
Group F
Netherlands — Japan — 2:2 (Dallas, Texas, USA)
The match ended in a draw. Japan showed character and came back twice during the match.
Goals for the Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk (50th minute), Crysencio Summerville (64).
Goals for Japan: Keito Nakamura (57), Daichi Kamada (89).
Sweden — Tunisia — 5:1 (Mexico)
The Swedes confidently defeated their opponent with a large victory.
Goals for Sweden: Yasin Ayari scored a double (7th and 90+6 minutes), also scored by Alexander Isak (30), Viktor Gyökeres (59), and Mattias Svanberg (84).
Goal for Tunisia: Omar Rekik (43).
Standings in Group F: This quartet also includes the national teams of the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Second round schedule: The Netherlands will play against Sweden on June 20, and Japan will face Tunisia on June 21.
Brief Summary of the Day
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Germany took first place in history for the total number of goals at the World Cups (239).
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Dick Advocaat at 78 became the oldest coach in World Cup history.
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Japan came back twice against the Netherlands and saved the match in the 89th minute.
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Sweden achieved the largest victory of the day (5:1).
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Ivory Coast snatched victory in the 90th minute thanks to Amad Diallo's goal.