Die Folgen: Germany’s 6-0 win over Slovakia (Bavarian Football Works)
If there was any doubt that Germany was going to come out focused and hungry for a revenge win over Slovakia, the home side erased that doubt very quickly.
Led by a strong contingent of Bayern Munich players,
Germany crushed Slovakia 6-0 and clinch a berth to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Julian Nagelsmann’s troops were on-point from the outset and thoroughly dominated the game. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- Nagelsmann controlled his impulses and only went with two changes — Joshua Kimmich for Ridle Baku and Nico Schlotterbeck for Waldemar Anton.
- Both teams were a little sloppy early on, but Slovakia did not look like the same team that shocked Germany back on September 4th.
- Germany was firmly in control from the outset. The squad looked confident and maybe even a little over-eager to right the wrong from back in September.
- In the 15th minute, Wirtz had a good look but put a little too much power into it and sent over the crossbar.
- Slovakia looked tentative and exhausted 15 minutes into the match.
- In the 18th minute, though, Kimmich would make his impact felt with a delivery to Woltemade, who is looking far more comfortable and confident in the No. 9 role for Germany. It was a perfectly placed header with pace that left Slovakia stunned.
- Woltemade’s goal did seem to wake up Slovakia from its slumber. The visitors got far more energetic and aggressive after the score. Oliver Baumann had to make a great save to keep it at 1-1 in the 21st minute.
- Leon Goretzka nearly scored the second goal with a strong header miss 26th minute, but the Bayern Munich midfielder would atone for the miss.
- In the 29th minute, Goretzka slipped a ball through to a running Gnabry in the box for goal. It was the kind of goal you see from two players who have had hundreds of games together.
- Just seven minutes later in the 36th minute, Wirtz sent Leroy Sané in with a perfect ball and the winger capped the play off with a delectable finish to make it 3-0. Yes Virginia, the rout was on.
- In the 41st minute, Wirtz would clip a ball into the box for Sané, who had another great finish and all of a sudden it was 4-0. What a first half performance from the Germans.
- There is no doubt that Sané has punched his ticket to North America for the World Cup (maybe he can even use that house he owns in California while he is in the United States).
- Aleksandar Pavlović was subbed out at halftime, but it was not a injury situation per reports. Nagelsmann just wanted to rest the midfielder. How about that Kimmich guy? How about resting him? Kimmich would eventually get pulled (thank you!).
- With nothing left to prove, Germany went into cruise control for the second half.
- In the 67th minute, Ridle Baku, who entered the game in the 64th minute for Kimmich, scored to make it 5-0.What a performance for the Germans.
- In a pretty cool moment, Assan Ouédraogo entered the game at the 77th minute mark and scored in the 79th minute. What a moment for the youngster!
- Overall, this was the Germany that fans have been waiting months to see. The players looked assertive and energetic. The coach did not overthink his lineup. It all just…came together. Now that the trip to the World Cup is secured, Germany can focus on finalizing its roster, its formation, and honing its style of play and mentality. Truly, the fun now begins.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Kane hasn’t made final decision, but is “happy” (CaughtOffside)
There will continue to be speculation about Harry Kane’s future until he makes a final call. Right now, many think Kane will — at a minimum — see out the rest of his contract in Bavaria.
However, it remains to be seen if the allure of FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United will impact Kane’s decision-making:
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is reportedly happy at the club and yet to make a final decision on a potential transfer away next summer. Kane has been a world class performer for Bayern and they’ll surely be keen to keep him beyond this season, despite interest from other clubs.
It has recently been reported by TEAMtalk that Manchester United and Tottenham are likely to be in the race for Kane’s signature, but it seems the England international has not yet made any final decision. According to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona are also keen on Kane, but the player himself is happy at Bayern and yet to give any indication that he wants to leave.
Kane is expected to make his final decision on next season in January, though it would be a shock if he decides to leave Bayern Munich.
Germany or Italy for Füllkrug (TEAMtalk)
West Ham United striker Niclas Füllkrug can feel his grip on a World Cup slipping away, so he is making an effort to leave the club in January. Fulham (interesting considering Jonah Kusi-Asare is there), Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and clubs in Italy are all considered possibilities:
Niclas Fullkrug is not interested in the idea of joining another Premier League club, as he pushes for a transfer away from West Ham United, TEAMtalk sources can reveal. The Germany international striker does wants a move in January, and Fulham have been mooted as a potential landing spot.
He wants to prioritise a club that can give him regular action and a chance to recapture his rhythm in front of goal. It is much more likely he returns to Germany – though he also has interest from Italy. Wolfsburg and Hamburg are two of the leading options from the Bundesliga, though the exact financial commitments needed will make a difference to whether a switch to either is plausible.
Barca to make play for Grimaldo? (ESPN)
FC Barcelona could attempt to bring in Bayer Leverkusen star Alejandro Grimaldo in the summer:
Barcelona are considering signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo in the summer as they look to strengthen at left back, reports Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona academy star Alejandro Balde, 22, has impressed, but Gerard Martín and Jofre Torrents haven’t made the leap required to challenge him for a starting spot. The Blaugrana could also look at a right back, with Internazionale’s Denzel Dumfries, Al Hilal’s João Cancelo and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz all linked. Meanwhile, Sport claims that FC Cologne winger Said El Mala is on their radar at around €30 million after he recorded four goals and two assists in 10 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Grimaldo has been linked to Bayern Munich, but it is unclear on how he would fit at the club, which has ample resources at left-back.
Díaz at the forefront of Liverpool struggles? (Liverpool.com)
Did losing Luis Díaz hurt Liverpool more than anyone at the club thought it would? Maybe…at least per one pundit:
Ex-Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has shared his thoughts on why Liverpool should have retained Diaz.
“They let [Luis] Diaz go, which in my eyes, should have never happened, they should have gone and got a winger then,” Hasselbaink said during his Sky Sports News appearance. “[Alexander] Isak comes in and Ekitike goes on the bench. What does that do to Ekitike and what else does that do for the squad?”
“Whatever you say is not good and that is the problem you’re going to get. You have that problem, then on top of that, you have to find a place for Wirtz. Don’t forget Wirtz in there, you have to find a place.”
Guirassy to leave BVB? (ESPN)
Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy could be contemplating a move away from the club. If so, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United could be potential destinations:
Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is set to explore a move away from the club, reports TEAMtalk. It is reported that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Man United could be offered the chance to land the 29-year-old due to a release clause in his contract, but whether the Red Devils enter the race would hinge on how much they feel such addition would impact the playing time of Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Nicolo Schira says that a club in Saudi Arabia is “ready” to make a three-year contract offer to Guirassy worth €20m-per-year.
