Germany put seven past debutants Curaçao
Japan twice fight back from a goal down to draw with the Netherlands
Côte d'Ivoire strike late to edge past Ecuador
Sweden prove too strong for Tunisia
It was a free-scoring fourth day of action at the as 19 goals flew in across venues in Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and Monterrey.
A seven-star showing from Germany got things underway, where defender Nathaniel Brown starred and Deniz Undav rose from the bench to grab a goal and a pair of assists in just 26 second-half minutes.
Japan twice fought back from a goal down to draw with the Netherlands, a late Amad Diallo goal secured maximum points for Côte d'Ivoire. Later on, Yasin Ayari and Alexander Isak dazzled as Sweden downed Tunisia in Mexico.
For a brief moment, Curaçao were living the dream. After Felix Nmecha had fired Germany in front early on, the Concacaf debutants drew level through Livano Comenecia midway through the opening half. Two quick-fire goals though just before the interval had Germany back in control in Houston.
The European giants didn't ease up after the break, with Jamal Musiala, World Cup debutant Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav adding further goals as Germany started with a bang.
Twice the Netherlands took the lead in Dallas and twice a dogged Japan side pegged them back. After a tight opening term, the contest sprung to life after the break, with all four goals coming in the second 45.
Virgil van Dijk's header had the Netherlands in front in the 50th minute, only for Keito Nakamura to pull Japan level seven minutes later. The same period of time passed before Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead but Japan weren't done, as a deflected Daichi Kamada shot late on saw the spoils shared.
Remarkably, this pulsating Philadelphia showdown appeared headed for a scoreless conclusion, until Côte d'Ivoire substitute Amad Diallo won it late on. Prior to that, both teams carved out a slew of chances, with Ecuador hitting the bar twice in the opening stanza and the Ivorians also rattling the woodwork early in the second half.
The winner came in the final minute of regulation time as Wilfried Singo slipped a ball through to Amad who opened his body and shot across Hernan Galindez to snatch all three points.
Sweden entered the tournament in mixed form but well and truly blew the cobwebs away with a big win over Tunisia in Monterrey. A pair of brilliant long-range strikes from 22-year-old midfielder Yasin Ayari, whose father is of Tunisian origin, bookended the impressive win. Forward Alexander Isak also starred with a pair of assists and a goal.
At 40 years and 79 days, Manuel Neuer became the oldest Germany player to feature at a major tournament, breaking the record previously held by Lothar Matthaus, set at UEFA EURO 2000.
This was the first time the Netherlands had fielded no home-based players in their starting XI for a World Cup match
At 19 years and 212 days, Yan Diomande became the first teenager to make an appearance in a FIFA World Cup match for Côte d’Ivoire
Nineteen goals were scored on Matchday 4 of this World Cup – 4.75 per game on average
Monday 15 June (all times local) 12:00 (Group H) 12:00 (Group G) 18:00 (Group H) 18:00 (Group G)
Sources: FIFA Official
