Germany’s national team doesn’t have to be more afraid of Curacao: Germany’s opening World Cup opponents were shown their limits in a friendly by Scotland. The Scots deservedly won 4:1 (1:1).
The game wasn’t particularly old when the German group opponents really showed what they were made of. After a Scottish attack was repelled, Tahith Chong acrobatically plucked himself down the halfway line and started the counterattack. The 26-year-old from the English second division team Sheffield United pulled away irresistibly, tunneled past Andrew Robertson and thundered the ball into the near corner from 16 meters to make it 0-1 (17th). A great hit.
Tahith Chong – even Werder Bremen had a turn
Chong’s story should certainly serve as an example for the World Cup underdog team. Born in the Netherlands Antilles, the 1.85 meter tall attacker came to the Netherlands as a child and was trained at Feyenoord Rotterdam. He played through all the Dutch U-national teams, then moved to Manchester United on the island in 2018 as an 18-year-old.
There he initially didn’t make it into the professional team, but was loaned out several times, including once to Werder Bremen for six months. It wasn’t until four years later that he made his breakthrough in Birmingham, and since then he has been part of the inventory of the English second division.
Locadia strong, but with red freakouts
The Scots, who were without some of their stars in the starting line-up, had their problems, especially with the fast strikers of the Caribbean kickers. Chong was difficult to stop, but the beefy striker Jürgen Locadia (formerly of Hoffenheim and Bochum) also had his strong scenes.
However, after a good half hour, the 32-year-old, who has been playing for Miami FC in the USA since this year, committed a serious foul against Aaron Hickey, which referee Georgi Kikacheishvili from Georgia initially punished with a yellow card. However, after VAR intervened, the referee decided on a red card – Curacao had to continue with ten men.
Youngster Curtis equalizes
Scotland took advantage of their superiority early: in the 45th minute, Findlay Curtis, who had recently been substituted, used one of his first touches of the ball to shoot from the left-hand position into the far corner to make it 1-1 (45th). The 19-year-old came to Hampden Park for only his second international match, which he crowned with his debut goal.
After the change, the Scots dominated and made good use of their superiority. And they were now increasingly faced with an opponent who seemed to be running out of steam. Curacao’s nine remaining field players were just running behind and certainly showed fitness problems.
Curacao revealed Condition problems
Scotland were given more space and consequently took the lead after just under an hour. Lawrence Shankland used a failed cross in the 60th minute with a shot to the right inside post to make it 2-1.
Shankland cheered and the man from the Hearts of Midlothian went one better a little later. Curacao’s defense couldn’t get into the duels and after a fine combination from the “Bravehearts”, the 30-year-old was free at the far post and confidently scored into the far corner to make it 3-1 (65th).
Curacao now threatened to take a real pack. Scotland followed up and scored their fourth goal. After a foul on Curtis in the penalty area, Ryan Christia from AFC Bournemouth converted the penalty to make it 4-1 (81st).
Scotland meets Brazil at the World Cup
Scotland will face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C at the World Cup and are dreaming of the first knockout game in their World Cup history. Curaçao goes into Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast as outsiders. Even a point win would be a surprise for the Caribbean country.
