FRANKFURT: Germany booked its spot at the next FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion on Monday, crushing Slovakia 6-0 in its final qualifier and pummeling the visitors into submission with four relentless goals in the first half. The victory sends Slovakia, which finished second in the group, into a playoff in March.
The four-time world champion, seeking to restore its dented reputation after crashing out in the first round of the last two World Cup editions, finished top of its group with 15 points, three ahead of the Slovaks on 12.
Needing only a draw or a win to secure top spot, the Germans left nothing to chance and exploded out of the blocks, taking control early.
⚽ First Half Blitz
Unmarked Nick Woltemade headed in the opening goal in the 18th minute, marking his fourth consecutive goal in the last three matches for Germany.
While Serge Gnabry missed a chance to double the lead moments later, he quickly made amends. In the 29th minute, Gnabry latched onto a perfect pass from Leon Goretzka to make it 2-0.
The host nation’s blistering pace continued. An equally quick transition saw Florian Wirtz set up Leroy Sane in the 36th minute, who curled his shot past Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka. Wirtz then delivered another assist for Sane to bag his second goal of the evening five minutes later, effectively putting the game to bed before halftime. Slovakia, which had managed to beat Germany in Bratislava in September, had no answer to the host’s relentless attacking pressure.
⭐ Debut Goal for Ouedraogo
The pace dropped slightly after the break, but substitutes ensured the scoring did not stop. Ridle Baku added a goal, before teenager Assan Ouedraogo found the net. The 19-year-old Ouedraogo became the youngest player to score for Germany on his debut, capping a dominant performance.
“We played a really good game tonight. From the first to the last second, we did not allow anything at the back and were creative,” said striker Woltemade. “I hope it was fun to watch us tonight. It is great to play for Germany. We have now qualified for the World Cup.”
The Germans, who have now qualified for the World Cup for the 21st time (second only to Brazil’s 23), have openly set their sights on winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, as they aim to return to the global football elite after not reaching a final in any major international tournament since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.
