Curaçao made history as the smallest nation to ever compete in the FIFA World Cup, facing Germany in their opening Group E match in Houston.During the first half, the Caribbean team defied expectations by scoring their first-ever tournament goal following a deflection past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.The squad relies heavily on diaspora players raised in the Netherlands, reflecting the island's historical ties to the Dutch kingdom.Germany sought redemption in this tournament following disappointing group-stage exits in previous cycles.