Slovakia's coach Francesco Calzona, left, celebrates with members of the Slovak team as they celebrate after winning the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Slovakia Stun Germany At Tehelne Pole
Germany lost an away World Cup qualifying game for the first time in a 2-0 upset against Slovakia on Thursday which threw its campaign to reach the 2026 tournament into immediate jeopardy. David Hancko and David Strelec each exploited mistakes in Germany’s defense to give Slovakia — which 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, which 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.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
German players stand on the pitch after losing the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Slovakia players celebrate after winning the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Germany's Nick Woltemade, right, is challenged by Slovakia's Norbert Gyomber and Lubomir Satka during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Slovakia players celebrate after Slovakia's David Strelec scored his side's second goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Germany's Oliver Baumann clears the ball during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Slovakia's David Hancko, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Slovakia's David Hancko, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Slovakia's David Hancko scores the opening goal past Germany's Oliver Baumann during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany
| Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Germany's Maximilian Mittelstadt, left, closes down Slovakia's David Hancko during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Published At:
Tags