Livano Comenencia nets first-ever FIFA World Cup goal for Curacao

HOUSTON: 22-year-old midfielder Livano Comenencia on Sunday made history as he became the first from Curacao to score a FIFA World Cup goal during the South American nation's group-stage match against 2014 champions Germany, underway here at the Houston Stadium.

The historic goal was netted in the 21st minute of the ongoing fixture when the ball rolled out for Comenencia on the edge of the box, and he beat returning Manuel Neuer with the help of a deflection.

Comenencia's sensational strike was the first-ever for the Island nation in the mega event and neutralised Germany's lead just ahead of the hydration break.

It is pertinent to mention that the Caribbean nation, with a population of just 158,006 (as per January 1), has become the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, marking a landmark achievement in global football.

Their qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament was secured through a remarkable CONCACAF qualifying campaign, where Curacao topped their final group ahead of more established regional sides.

Speaking ahead of the ongoing fixture during a press conference, Curacao coach Dick Advocaat had stressed that Curacao have nothing to lose and instead insisted his side were ready to embrace the challenge and cause an upset on football's biggest stage.

"We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them and be a tough team to play," Advocaat said.

Starting XIs

Germany: Manuel Neuer, Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.

Curacao: Eloy Room, Sherel Floranus, Riechedly Bazoer, Sontje Hansen, Armando Obispo, Deveron Fonville, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Tahith Chong and Jurgen Locadia.