Germany’s road to the next World Cup started with a shock that nobody saw coming. A 2-0 defeat to Slovakia has left fans angry, the coach demanding more, and the players questioning themselves.
For a nation that has built its reputation on efficiency and power, this performance felt more like a blackout.
The loss was historic too. It was Germany’s first-ever away defeat in World Cup qualifying and their third competitive loss in a row.
Defensive errors proved costly, and Antonio Rudiger was at the center of attention after his mistakes led to both Slovakian goals.
But while the Real Madrid defender had a tough night on the pitch, he was quick to step up off it.
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Rudiger takes the floor in Germany's dressing room
Inside the dressing room, the atmosphere was tense. According to reports (via Bild), Rudiger addressed the team directly: “We must act as a team now. We can only get out of this together. No one can help us except ourselves. We can only do it together and with solidarity.”
Coach Julian Nagelsmann also spoke, criticizing the group for lacking passion and saying they played with the “handbrake on.”
Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstadt backed the words of both men, admitting: “We all know it simply wasn’t a good performance. But we’ve shown in the past that we’re capable of showing a different face.”
The setback leaves Germany under pressure ahead of their next qualifier against Northern Ireland on September 8.
Fans may forgive one off night, but three defeats in a row feels less like “Die Mannschaft” and more like “Die Malfunction.”
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