Germany fell to a shocking 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in their World Cup qualifying opener in Bratislava on Thursday, marking their first-ever away loss in a qualifier. Ranked 52nd in the world, Slovakia outplayed the four-time world champions, taking the lead in the 42nd minute through David Hancko before David Strelec sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 55th minute past Antonio Rüdiger.
Germany looked disorganised at the back and toothless in attack, with defender Jonathan Tah admitting they were the worse team “in all phases” of the game, saying: “We deserved to lose today.”
The result was Germany’s third straight loss and their first competitive defeat to Slovakia in history. It also adds pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann, whose side have now lost four World Cup qualifiers overall — the previous defeats coming against Portugal (1985), England (2001), and North Macedonia (2021).
Nagelsmann, who had spoken confidently before the match about Germany’s World Cup ambitions, was left with more questions than answers. His squad was already depleted, missing attackers Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst, before striker Niclas Füllkrug was ruled out pre-match with a calf injury. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade was drafted in, but Germany struggled to break down the Slovak defence.
Slovakia capitalised on Germany’s sluggish backline, with Leo Sauer repeatedly exposing space in behind. Hancko’s opener came after sloppy midfield play, while Strelec’s second punished more defensive lapses. Despite dominating possession, Germany created few clear chances, with Leon Goretzka missing their best opportunity when one-on-one with goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.
The shock defeat leaves Germany under pressure ahead of their next qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday.
