Shock! Bafana Bafana's WC Hopes Dashed? Germany Stunned by Slovakia!

By: María Fernández Published On: 07/09/2025

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Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign has hit a major snag after a shocking 2-0 defeat to Slovakia. The loss, which saw Germany thoroughly outplayed, has prompted coach Julian Nagelsmann to promise significant changes ahead of their crucial match against Northern Ireland. This defeat marks the first time Germany has ever lost a World Cup qualifier to Slovakia, adding salt to the wound.

Nagelsmann didn't mince words, criticising his players' attitude and performance. Captain Joshua Kimmich echoed the coach's sentiment, warning that Germany won't qualify for the World Cup if they continue to perform poorly. The pressure is now on for the team to regroup and deliver a much-improved performance against Northern Ireland.

“There will certainly be some changes in terms of personnel. Not all 10 players will be rotated, but we have to put in a better performance than we did on Thursday,” Nagelsmann stated.

Adding to Germany's woes, key player Jamal Musiala has been sidelined with a serious injury, drawing comparisons to the irreplaceable Lionel Messi by German icon Lothar Matthaus. Musiala's absence is a significant blow to the team's attacking prowess.

Meanwhile, in other World Cup qualifying matches, Spain secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, and Belgium dominated Liechtenstein with a 6-0 win. The Netherlands and Poland played out a 1-1 draw, and Northern Ireland celebrated a 3-1 win against Luxembourg. The race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is heating up, with several surprising results already shaking up the standings.

For South African fans, these results highlight the competitive nature of World Cup qualifying. Bafana Bafana will need to be at their best to secure a spot in the tournament. Germany's struggles serve as a reminder that no team can afford to be complacent.