Germany start their World Cup qualifying group with defeat by Slovakia, the third straight loss for four-time winners.
Printed On 4 Sep 2025
4-time world champions Germany suffered their first away loss in a World Cup qualifier after their shock 2-0 defeat by hosts Slovakia of their opening qualifier for the 2026 match.
The Germans, who’ve set a aim of successful the 2026 World Cup, had by no means earlier than misplaced a World Cup qualifier on the highway, they usually have now misplaced their final three consecutive matches, following defeats by Portugal and France within the Nations League in June.
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“We didn’t present any emotionality in our sport at present. By way of feelings, the opponents had been miles forward of us,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann stated after Thursday’s defeat. “We wish to go to the World Cup, however at present we had been miles away from that.
“I wish to see that emotionality. We picked the perfect gamers in Germany, however perhaps now we have to place much less significance on high quality and extra on gamers who will give all of it on the market.”
The Germans haven’t made an influence in main worldwide tournaments since final successful the World Cup in 2014.
Nagelsmann’s workforce had been on the again foot with the Slovaks lacking a golden probability within the opening seconds with Lubomir Satka. Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer of their one-on-one with an excellent save within the twenty first minute, in early warnings that the guests didn’t heed.
Slovakia’s offensive play paid off within the forty second when Germany’s Florian Wirtz misplaced possession and the hosts launched a fast break with David Hanchko finishing it with a superb end.
Germany, toothless within the first half, regarded extra aggressive after the break, and Leon Goretzka got here shut. Nonetheless, Slovakia struck towards the run of play, with David Strelec sending defender Antonio Rudiger the mistaken method earlier than curling a shot previous Baumann within the fifty fifth.
“The primary 5 minutes of the second half had been a bit brighter, however the remaining was fairly grim,” Nagelsmann stated.
“I belief my workforce, however they’ve to grasp that merely being a greater participant than the opponent will not be sufficient in case you don’t present willingness and want. You received’t get outcomes with the handbrake on.”
The Germans, who had been eradicated within the first spherical of the earlier two World Cups, had been unable to mount a critical comeback, missing any concepts and punch up entrance.
Slovakia journey to Luxembourg for his or her subsequent Group A match on Sunday, whereas Germany host Northern Eire.
