Germany’s Disappointing Start to World Cup Qualification
Germany’s trip to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada began with a worst-start when Julian Nagelsmann’s team suffered a deserved 2-0 loss against Slovakia in Bratislava. Almost three months after the disappointment of the Nations League, Germany looked out of shape and kind. They had never lost a qualification game of the World Cup this evening.
Lack of Performance in All Areas
Germany’s performance against Slovakia now makes their goals seem higher than in June. Germany looked fatal and was very lucky to only concede one goal during the break. When David Strelec had made Antonio Rüdiger out and doubled the guidance of the hosts, Germany looked like a boxer who had been 12 rounds. The problem is that the new domestic football season just started. Germany’s two leading attackers have just moved a combined transmission value of € 210 million ($ 245). And Nagelsmann has been responsible for two years. In short, this performance is somewhat inexplicable.
Jonathan Tah effectively admitted that the team was lacking in all areas, saying "In all areas [we were lacking] When we lost the ball with the ball, we were missing defensively when we no longer have the connection to the game. It was a very weak performance from us." Before the game, Nagelsmann spoke of a task list for his team during the qualification, which included an efficient possession, winning the ball sources, and reducing the number of great opportunities that the opposition has.
Nagelsmann Complains of Lack of Emotions
Nagelsmann complained of a lack of emotions from his team, saying "Emotionally, our opponents were better for miles than we were. If we don’t manage to find this emotion, you can close the book." He emphasized that every player had to enter every game with the intention and drive of a semi-final of the Champions League. Captain Joshua Kimmich agreed, saying "We don’t have to talk about the system or tactics. This is about thinking, which was the problem in the last games."
Disappointing Debut for Namdi Collins
Namdi Collins, Eintracht Frankfurt’s versatile 21-year-old defender, had a hard night at his international debut in Bratislava. His attack companies did not agree with a dangerous delivery, and defensively he tried to curb 19-year-old Leo Sauer on the left who said that Nagelsmann was the man of the game. Collins was thrilled during the break, and his disappointing night was part of a poor collective performance.
Upcoming Match
The Germany’s qualification campaign will continue against Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday. The team will look to bounce back from this disappointing loss and improve their performance in all areas. With Nagelsmann’s guidance, they will aim to find the emotions and drive needed to succeed in the World Cup qualification.
