Germany secured a spot in next year’s World Cup by dominating Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier on Monday, delivering four goals in the first half and sending their opponents into a playoff in March.
Leroy Sane scored twice, while Nick Woltemade and Serge Gnabry also found the net in a commanding first half that saw Germany quickly secure victory and top Group A, ensuring automatic qualification for the tournament.
The four-time world champions, who had crashed out in the first round of the last two World Cups, finished atop their group with 15 points, with Slovakia second on 12.
“Every player gave it all,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “We played a really great game. We worked very hard. We scored great goals and were convincing with our game.
“Today there is no reason to complain,” he said. “There was pressure and they pushed themselves and showed a great team spirit. I am proud of the team.”
How Germany Beat Slovakia?
Needing only a draw or a win to secure top spot, the Germans left nothing to chance and took control early. Unmarked Woltemade headed in the lead in the 18th minute with his fourth consecutive goal in the last three matches for Germany.
Serge Gnabry nearly doubled the lead when he charged into the box, but Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka blocked his low shot in the 25th minute. Gnabry made amends four minutes later by latching onto a perfect Leon Goretzka pass to make it 2-0.
An equally swift move saw Florian Wirtz put Leroy Sane through in the 36th minute, allowing him to curl his shot past Dubravka and effectively secure the win. Wirtz then delivered another assist for Sane to score his second goal of the evening five minutes later.
Slovakia, who had beaten Germany in Bratislava in September, had no response to the hosts’ relentless pressure.
“From the first to the last second we did not allow anything at the back and were creative,” said striker Woltemade. “I hope it was fun to watch us tonight. It is great to play for Germany. We have now qualified for the World Cup.”
The pace dropped after the break, but substitutes Ridle Baku and 19-year-old Assan Ouedraogo each added a goal, with the latter becoming the youngest player to score for Germany on his debut.
Germany, qualifying for the World Cup for the 21st time, second only to Brazil’s 23, have set their sights on winning the tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, to restore their reputation as a global football powerhouse.
They have not reached a final in any major international tournament since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014 in Brazil.
(With inputs from Agencies)
