September 04, (THEWILL) — Germany suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava during their opening 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The Group A fixture at Stadion Tehelne pole saw Francesco Calzona’s team claim victory through goals from David Hancko and David Strelec, leaving Julian Nagelsmann’s side with some ground to make up in the qualification campaign.
Slovakia took the lead three minutes before half-time when Strelec provided the assist for Hancko’s clinical finish. The defender had driven forward from the halfway line and continued his run into the penalty area, where he swept home a precise first-time shot after receiving Strelec’s drilled cross from the right flank.
The hosts doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half through a moment of individual brilliance from Strelec. Norbert Gyomber flicked on a high ball, allowing the forward to collect possession, turn away from Antonio Rudiger, and curl a left-footed effort into the top corner of Oliver Baumann’s net.
Germany created several opportunities throughout the match but found Martin Dubravka in excellent form between the posts. The Slovakia goalkeeper denied Maximilian Mittelstadt and Leon Goretzka, while Newcastle United’s new signing Nick Woltemade headed over from close range when well positioned to score.
The result extends Germany’s concerning run of form, with this defeat representing their third consecutive competitive loss. Following their Nations League semi-final and third-place play-off defeats in June, Nagelsmann’s team has now failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight matches, raising questions about their defensive stability ahead of the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
