That was not how this was supposed to go. Group favorite Germany already had an eye on next year’s Men’s World Cup trophy, but after Thursday’s 2-0 loss to Slovakia to open its qualification campaign, the Germans need to worry about just getting there first.
“We have five games left, and we have to win them all, including against today’s opponent. Otherwise, we’ll be playing in the playoffs in March,” head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated after the match, in comments captured via @iMiaSanMia.
Germany
did not exactly land in a difficult qualifying group. Apart from Slovakia, the other two opponents are Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. But Slovakia showed it means business and the margin for error has all but evaporated already.
One gets the sense that up against the wall is just how the Germans like to operate — under pressure, leaning on their mentality. But it is hard to find silver linings after that lackluster opening effort.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
