Kai Havertz and the embarrassment of riches in Germany's World Cup attack

A two-goal haul in a World Cup opener would, for most strikers, be the headline. For Kai Havertz and Germany, it was almost a footnote in a 7-1 rout, and that says everything about the attacking riches Julian Nagelsmann has at his disposal at this tournament.

Havertz led the line against Curacao and took his chances with the composure of a player in form, his brace capping a ruthless team display. Yet he is far from the only weapon. Around him sit creators and goalscorers of genuine pedigree, the kind of depth that turns a good side into a contender and gives a manager problems most can only envy.

That depth changes how Germany can play. With multiple forwards capable of starting, Nagelsmann can rotate to keep legs fresh across a long tournament, tailor his attack to the opponent, and bring game-changers off the bench when matches tighten. In knockout football, where fatigue and fine margins decide ties, that flexibility is a serious advantage.

It also raises the stakes of selection. When several players have a claim to the same role, the manager's calls become scrutinised, and keeping a deep squad happy is its own challenge. Havertz's response, to take his opportunity emphatically, is exactly how a forward stakes a claim when competition is fierce, and it strengthens his case to keep the shirt.

The opener offered a glimpse of how dangerous this Germany can be when the pieces click. Goals came from across the side, the attack moved with fluency, and the sense was of a team only beginning to find its rhythm. If Nagelsmann can keep his embarrassment of riches pulling in the same direction, few defences will relish facing them.

There are tougher tests ahead, and seven goals against debutants must be kept in perspective. Elite defences will not be as accommodating, and the true measure of Germany's attack will come against sides who can match them. But a forward line this stocked is a problem most teams would love to have.

The selection headache is the good kind, the sort every other manager would happily swap for. As the tournament wears on and rotation becomes essential, Germany's strength in depth could be the difference between a side that fades and one that finishes the job.

For Havertz, the immediate task is simple: keep scoring and keep the competition behind him. For Germany, the challenge is harnessing all that talent into a coherent whole. On the opening evidence, both look well on track. For more from the tournament, follow the latest football news.