Felix Nmecha praised for response after being asked why he prayed with Curacao players

Felix Nmecha has explained why players from Germany and Curacao formed a circle in the middle of the pitch, just moments after Sunday's World Cup game at Houston Stadium.

Germany made a near-perfect start to their World Cup campaign as goals from Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (2), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav sealed a 7-1 win over Curacao.

For a brief moment, the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament dared to dream when Livano Comenencia scored a 21st-minute equaliser.

But the overwhelming favourites proved too strong. Still, a huge amount of respect was shown after the full-time whistle in Texas, with Jonathan Tah and goalscorer Nmecha making a beeline for a group of Curacao players.

In fact, they came together to form a player circle.

Asked why they were standing in a circle with players from Curacao, former Manchester City forward Nmecha said: "In the game we are opponents, but after the game we are all Christians, we are all brothers."

Germany and Curacao players form a huddle after the final whistle. Image credit: Getty

He added: "We just did a little prayer together because we are still very grateful. The result is, of course, nice for us, but we all believe that Jesus is glorified through the game. That's why we came and prayed together."

Nmecha has consistently used his platform to share the importance of faith in his life. On his Instagram bio, for example, he writes: "Football is my passion, Jesus is my foundation."

After making his debut for the German national team in 2023, he said: “It's a great honour and a blessing to be called up to the national team for the first time. This is truly a moment I will never forget and I give all the glory to Jesus."

The 27-year-old also points to himself and then to heaven when celebrating a goal. “I want to show that Jesus died for my sins, He washed away my sins," he told Wolfsburg's YouTube channel.

Manuel Neuer broke little-known FIFA rule during Germany's win over Curacao

Manuel Neuer appeared to breach FIFA's official kit regulations during Sunday's game in Houston.

The 40-year-old, who has worn short-sleeved shirts for years, was presented with a long-sleeved shirt by Germany's kitman, which apparently prompted the goalkeeper to take matters into his own hands.

Neuer decided to cut his sleeves ahead of kick-off, but the decision to do so may land him in hot water.

As noted in FIFA's equipment regulations, any visible undergarment must be "of the same dominant colour" as the item worn over it and must not display any team identifiers, manufacturer identifiers or decorative elements.