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 Bratislava on Thursday in Group A.
The Germans, who have set a goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, had never before lost a World Cup qualifier on the road in 52 matches, and they have now lost their last three consecutive games, after defeats by Portugal and France in the Nations League in June.
They found themselves on the back foot with the Slovaks missing a golden chance in the opening seconds through Lubomir Satka. Germany keeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer with a superb save in the 21st minute.
Slovakia’s attacking play paid off in the 42nd minute when Germany’s Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz lost possession and the hosts broke quickly with David Hancko scoring with a fine finish.
Toothless in the first half, Germany looked more aggressive after the break, but Slovakia struck against the run of play, with Middlesbrough’s David Strelec sending defender Antonio Rüdiger the wrong way before curling a shot past Baumann in the 55th minute.
The Germans, who were eliminated in the first round of the previous two World Cups, were unable to mount a serious comeback, lacking any ideas and punch up front despite new Newcastle signing Nick Woltemade playing the whole game.
On Sunday, Germany host Northern Irelandwho battled to a 3-1 win away against 10-man Luxembourg. Jamie Reid gave the visitors an early lead when he slotted in after Isaac Price’s penalty had been saved, but Augsburg winger Aiman Dardari equalised on the half hour for his first senior international goal.
Shea Charles struck straight after the break before Luxembourg defender Seid Korac was sent off just after the hour for a second caution. Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny then wrapped things up with 20 minutes left.
European champions Spain coasted to a 3-0 win in their Group E opener away to Bulgaria. La Roja took an early lead to dampen a partisan capacity home crowd at the Vasil Levski National Stadium when Mikel Oyarzabal struck after just five minutes.
Chelsea wing-back Marc Cucurella drilled home a second on the half hour before Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino headed in a third from a corner to put the Nations League runners-up in control.
Poland’s Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash fired home a late equaliser to ensure his side held the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw in Rotterdam, a major boost to their hopes and a dent to Dutch ambitions.
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A thunderous right-footed shot from the English-born defender in the 80th minute was as much as Poland deserved after a strong second-half performance, having been a goal down at half-time.
The Netherlands and Poland now share top place in Group G with seven points each, although the Dutch have played one game fewer. Coach Ronald Koeman had identified Poland as the key team to beat in the group, and his side looked on course to do so after Denzel Dumfries put them ahead in the 28th minute.
Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein 6-0 to make it two wins from their three games so far. Maxim De Cuyper’s header set Belgium on their way in the first half. Youri Tielemans scored twice after the break while Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne and Malick Fofana were also on target.
Turkey won 3-2 in Georgiawhere they finished with 10 men. Mert Muldur’s header gave the visitors a third-minute lead, with Kerem Akturkoglu then striking either side of the break. Zuriko Davitashvili pulled a goal back just after the hour before tempers flared in the 71st minute.
Turkey substitute Baris Alper Yilmaz was shown a red card for a late challenge on Giorgi Kochorashvili, with Georgia manager Willy Sangol then sent from the dugout for his protests. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck a late second for Georgia deep into added time.
