GERMANY kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a stunning loss to Slovakia.
Julian Nagelsmann’s troops headed to Tehelne Pole Stadium in Bratislava on Thursday night as massive favourites to win the Group A clash and the group itself.
But they were sensationally slain by the scintillating Slovakians, who ran out 2-0 winners.
Atletico Madrid defender David Hancko fired the home side into the lead three minutes before the half-time interval.
New Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz was guilty of giving the ball in the lead-up to the goal as he was easily dispossessed just past the halfway line.
Ten minutes after the restart, Middlesbrough hitman David Strelec fired the Slovak’s 2-0 up with a sensational solo goal.
Wirtz wasn’t the only new Premier League signing to struggle on the pitch.
New Newcastle United hitman Nick Woltemade – the Magpies’ replacement for Alexander Isak – also flattered to deceive up top for the Germans.
Germany’s stunning Slovak slaying will no doubt force Nagelsmann to take stock of his aspirations of lifting the World Cup trophy next July.
Before the match, he said: “It is healthy to set goals.
“It is difficult for a team or even an individual to go through life without a goal they are working towards, that is worth fighting for.
“I think it is healthy that we all want to win the World Cup.
“I am 100 per cent convinced that no player would answer differently or they would not need to travel with us.
Nagelsmann said of being Group A favourites: “We need to focus on the process until we get there, on every game.
“To not have moments of doubt because of the big goal. The process is decisive to reach goals.”
Germany will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday evening when they welcome Group A table-toppers Northern Ireland to the RheinEnergieStadion.
Slovakia, meanwhile, will also be in action on Sunday, taking on Luxembourg at the Luxembourg Stadium.
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