LONDON: Germany lost an away World Cup qualifying game for the first time in a 2-0 upset against Slovakia on Thursday which threw their campaign to reach the 2026 tournament into immediate jeopardy.
David Hancko and David Strelec each exploited mistakes in Germany’s defense to give Slovakia — who last qualified for the World Cup in 2010 — a surprise lead. Germany couldn’t find a way through the Slovakian defense to get back into the game.
It was a blow to coach Julian Nagelsmann and his new-look lineup, including Newcastle’s new striker Nick Woltemade in his third Germany game and 21-year-old Nnamdi Collins making his debut at right back.
Nagelsmann was scathing about his team, who he said lacked “emotionality” on the field and the will to win against motivated underdog opposition. He even questioned whether he should pick less skilled but more dedicated players instead.
“Maybe we really do need to rely less on quality and instead on players who just give everything, because that would have led to better results today than if the best players played,” he told broadcaster ARD.
Germany now need to win all of their remaining five games to avoid the playoffs, Nagelsmann added.
Historic records fall
Germany, including West Germany’s record during the Cold War, has played at every World Cup since 1954. Until Thursday it had only ever lost three World Cup qualifiers, all at home.
The loss in Slovakia was also only the second time Germany lost a World Cup qualifier by more than one goal. The other was a 5-1 home loss to England in 2001.
Germany seemed so confident of qualifying from a straightforward group with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg that they already booked a friendly on the assumption they win the
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