FOOTBALL – Four-time world champions Germany suffered their first away loss in a World Cup qualifier after their shock 2-0 defeat by hosts Slovakia in their opening qualifier for the 2026 tournament last night.
The Germans, who have set a goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, had never before lost a World Cup qualifier on the road, and they have now lost their last three consecutive matches, following defeats to Portugal and France in the Nations League in June.
They found themselves on the backfoot with the Slovaks missing a golden chance in the opening seconds with Lubomir Satka.
Germany keeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer in their one-on-one with a superb save in the 21st minutes in early warnings that the visitors did not heed.
Slovakia’s offensive play paid off in the 42nd when Germany’s Florian Wirtz lost possession and the hosts outplayed the Germans with a quick break and with David Hanchko completing with a fine finish.
With Germany, toothless in the first half, looking more aggressive after the break and Leon Goretzka coming close, Slovakia struck against the run of play, with David Strelec sending defender Antonio Ruediger the wrong way before curling a shot past Baumann in the 55th.
The Germans, who were eliminated in the first round of the previous two World Cups, were unable to mount a serious comeback attempt, lacking any ideas and punch up front.
Slovakia next travel to Luxembourg for their next Group A match on Sunday while Germany entertain Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Spain opened their qualifying campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Bulgaria in their Group E meeting, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino all coming in the opening half.
Captain Youri Tielemans scored twice as Belgium cruised to a 6-0 win over minnows Liechtenstein in Group J, with winger Malick Fofana netting his first international goal.
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