Germany Suffers Shocking 2-0 Defeat to Slovakia in World Cup Qualifiers

Slovakia stuns Germany 2-0 in World Cup Qualifier

Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign hits a snag as they lose 2-0 to Slovakia. Slovakia pulls off a massive upset, defeating Germany in their World Cup qualifying match.

Slovakia's momentum continued after halftime, and they soon doubled their lead...

Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start as they suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava. This loss marked Germany's first-ever away loss in a World Cup qualifier, ending their impressive record in road matches. Slovakia's David Hancko scored the opening goal just before halftime, capitalizing on a midfield win and swift counterattack.

The Slovaks doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half when David Strelec expertly curled a shot past Germany's defense, leaving goalkeeper Oliver Baumann with no chance. Germany struggled to mount a serious comeback, lacking ideas and punch up front. This defeat leaves Germany facing questions about their squad and strategy, with coach Julian Nagelsmann expressing disappointment in his team's emotional intensity and desire.

This loss puts pressure on Nagelsmann and his team, who are looking to improve after crashing out in the group stage of the last two World Cups. Germany's next match is against Northern Ireland at home, while Slovakia travels to Luxembourg.

Slovakia took an active approach against Germany, not allowing Julian Nagelsmann's team to dictate the pace. They found success down the left flank, where Leo Sauer caused problems for the German defense. Sauer's efforts led to two impressive saves from goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The young Feyenoord player also had a goal-bound shot blocked by Jonathan Tah, despite beating Antonio Rudiger.

Florian Wirtz responded with a clever run into the box, attempting to roll a shot inside the near post. However, Martin Dubravka made a crucial save to deny Germany. The Slovak goalkeeper's stop sparked a frenetic end to the half, with Slovakia pushing forward in numbers. The intensity picked up, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

Slovakia's attack was fueled by Leo Sauer's pace down the left, where he repeatedly outmaneuvered debutant Nnamdi Collins. However, it was David Hancko who made the decisive play, charging forward and laying off a pass to David Strelec. Strelec then returned the ball to Hancko, who finished emphatically with a near-post shot that found the net, giving Slovakia the opening goal.

Slovakia 🇸🇰 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐍 Germany 🇩🇪 😳 pic.twitter.com/cCYoywUIX9

— 433 (@433) September 4, 2025

Slovakia's momentum continued after halftime, and they soon doubled their lead. David Strelec had a shot saved early in the second half, but he made no mistake with his next effort. A couple of minutes later, Strelec unleashed a beautifully curled left-footed shot that nestled into the top corner, leaving Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann with no chance.

Despite attempting to change the course of the game with substitutions, Germany struggled to break down Slovakia's spirited defense. As time ran out, their hopes of a comeback seemed increasingly remote, with only long-range shots offering any glimmer of hope. Slovakia's solid defensive display had effectively nullified Germany's attacking threat, securing a historic 2-0 win.

Slovakia made history with their 2-0 win over Germany, becoming the fourth team to beat Die Nationalelf in 105 World Cup qualifying matches. This victory also marked the first time a team had taken points off Germany in their last 18 away outings in World Cup qualifiers, ending Germany's impressive away record.

The win significantly boosts Slovakia's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2010, led by coach Francesco Calzona. Meanwhile, Germany's campaign has been severely set back, with coach Julian Nagelsmann facing questions over his squad selection and strategy. Germany now needs a near-perfect run to top Group A, following their shocking loss to Slovakia and Northern Ireland's 3-1 win over Luxembourg.

Group A Standings:

• Northern Ireland: 3 points (win against Luxembourg 3-1)
• Slovakia: 3 points (win against Germany 2-0)
• Germany: 0 points (loss to Slovakia 2-0)

The match saw David Hancko and David Strelec score for Slovakia, with Strelec also providing the assist for Hancko's goal. Germany's defeat was a surprise, given their strong performance in the UEFA Nations League