Kai Havertz emerged as a pivotal figure for Germany, netting a brace in their commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao in their initial 2026 World Cup encounter. The Arsenal forward's performance, leading the attacking line, offered a promising glimpse into Germany's potential solution for a positional void that has plagued the national side since the retirement of Miroslav Klose.
Germany's recent World Cup campaigns have been marked by underperformance, failing to progress from the group stage in both Russia and Qatar, and exiting Euro 2020 in the round of 16. This downturn has often been attributed to the absence of a top-tier striker. While Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling, with only five caps and one international goal, technically wore the number nine shirt for Germany, it was Havertz who truly spearheaded the attack against Curacao, demonstrating versatility by drifting deep and wide while also acting as a central focal point.
The emphatic win, which also saw goals from Jamal Musiala and a late contribution from striker Deniz Undav off the bench, has instilled renewed confidence. Julian Nagelsmann, the Germany manager, expressed satisfaction with the team's intensity and the boost in self-belief. "We played with the right intensity, if we do that we can have a good tournament," Nagelsmann stated, adding that the convincing result was crucial for both the squad and the German public.
Thomas Muller, Germany's third-highest goalscorer and a key figure in their 2014 World Cup triumph, voiced strong support for Havertz. "Kai Havertz is an anchor player for this team," Muller affirmed. "He is clearly set as the No 9, and if possible, he should play every single minute. Especially against big teams, he becomes even more crucial than against smaller ones." Muller's endorsement underscores the high expectations placed on Havertz to drive Germany's attacking fortunes.
Despite the positive start, questions persist regarding certain aspects of the squad, including Leroy Sane's popularity and a missed one-on-one opportunity, as well as the recall of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The tactical deployment of captain Joshua Kimmich, who started at right-back despite playing in midfield for Bayern Munich, also remains a point of discussion. However, the initial signs suggest Nagelsmann might be finding the right balance for a team looking to emulate the 'train has no brakes' mentality chanted by their fans.
This 'mini reboot' follows promising signs at Euro 2024, where Germany secured convincing victories before a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals. The hope is that Havertz's form, coupled with a renewed team spirit, can propel Germany deep into the tournament, marking a significant turnaround from their recent disappointments.
Source: Kicker