Four-time world champions Germany experienced their first away defeat in a World Cup qualifying match following a surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday in Group A.
Previously unbeaten in 52 away qualifiers, Germany’s recent struggles continued with their third consecutive loss, having fallen to Portugal and France in the Nations League in June.
Slovakia nearly scored immediately when Lubomir Satka missed an early chance, and German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann made an excellent save to deny Leo Sauer in the 21st minute. The hosts eventually took the lead in the 42nd minute after Florian Wirtz lost possession, allowing David Hancko to finish calmly.
Germany showed more urgency after halftime, but Slovakia extended their lead against the run of play in the 55th minute, with David Strelec outmaneuvering defender Antonio Rüdiger and curling a shot past Baumann.
Despite fielding new Newcastle signing Nick Woltemade for the entire match, Germany, who have exited in the first round of the last two World Cups, lacked creativity and failed to mount a comeback.
Next, Germany will face Northern Ireland, who secured a 3-1 victory in Luxembourg despite their opponents playing with 10 men. Jamie Reid opened the scoring after a saved penalty, Aiman Dardari equalized, but second-half goals from Shea Charles and Justin Devenny sealed the win.
Elsewhere, European champions Spain began their Group E campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bulgaria. Mikel Oyarzabal struck early, Marc Cucurella added a second, and Mikel Merino headed in a third from a corner to secure the victory.
In Rotterdam, Poland’s Matty Cash scored an 80th-minute equalizer to hold the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw. The result leaves both teams level on seven points in Group G, though the Dutch have a game in hand. Denzel Dumfries had initially given the hosts the lead before Cash’s late strike.
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