Germany stunned by Slovakia as Spain cruise in World Cup qualifiers
Germany’s World Cup qualifying campaign began with a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday.
Atletico Madrid defender David Hancko fired the hosts ahead just before half-time, before David Strelec, newly signed by Middlesbrough, sealed victory with a spectacular strike into the top corner early in the second half. The result puts Slovakia on course for a first World Cup appearance since 2010, while Germany are left under early pressure.
“We haven’t had a great history in recent years and we should have realised that if we want to go to the World Cup and play a good role. Today, we were miles away,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann. Captain Joshua Kimmich warned: “If we perform like we did today, we’ll definitely not qualify.”
Germany, eliminated in the group stage of the last two World Cups, host Northern Ireland next, who began with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg.
Elsewhere, European champions Spain eased past Bulgaria 3-0 in Sofia. Mikel Oyarzabal struck after five minutes, Marc Cucurella added a superb second, and Lamine Yamal set up Mikel Merino for the third before half-time. “We’re happy but we have to keep taking steps forward,” said coach Luis de la Fuente.
Turkey edged Georgia 3-2 in Tbilisi, the Netherlands were held 1-1 by Poland in Rotterdam, and Lithuania rescued a 1-1 draw with Malta. Belgium cruised to a 6-0 win in Liechtenstein, with Youri Tielemans scoring twice, to close in on Group J leaders Wales, who won 1-0 in Kazakhstan.
(Source: AFP)
