It was a night to forget for Germany as they kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Slovakia in Bratislava. Despite dominating possession, Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked devoid of creativity in attack and were vulnerable in defense en route to a 2-0 loss.
David Hancko’s goal for Slovakia shortly before the halftime whistle set to tone and David Strelec curled an effort into the top left corner in the 55th minute to complete the scoreline. By the closing stages of the match, several
players in the German squad cut entirely frustrated figures, throwing arms in the air with every misplaced pass or chance as the inevitability of defeat set in.
After the match, Nagelsmann did not shy away from expressing his dissatisfaction.
“Apart from 2-3 injured players, these are the best quality players we have in Germany. Maybe next time we have to call up players with less quality but who will give everything on the pitch. I trust my players, but being simply a better player than the opponent is not enough if you don’t show willingness and desire,” the former Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager ranted (via @iMiaSanMia).
Nagelsmann also drew parallels from Bayern’s narrow 3-2 win over Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the DFB-Pokal to the Slovakia loss, taking a bit of a dig at the lack of fight he saw from players in his squad, which featured Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Jonathan Tah.
“Why do you think a team like Wiesbaden almost drew 2-2 with FC Bayern? it’s not because they have better quality, but because they showed emotionality and desire,” Nagelsmann pointed out.
Next up for Germany is a home match in Köln against Northern Ireland. It is a must win for them if they don’t want to wind up in a bad spot after the first international break for qualifiers. Northern Ireland won their first match of qualifying 3-1 at Luxembourg.
