The DFB team was thoroughly criticized by the media and fans before the final match in the World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia – and the Nagelsmann squad apparently set out to silence every single armchair critic.
What can be said: So far, they are succeeding more than excellently. With the starting lineup comebacks of Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck, the national team showed commitment, willingness to run, and the absolute will to win this game from the first second. As more minutes passed, more joy in playing, quick passing combinations, and self-confidence were added. After some very good opportunities, it was Nick Woltemade who headed in a wonderful Kimmich cross after just under 20 minutes.
Nick Woltemade #GERSVKpic.twitter.com/vuqtUVeTZH
— – GARA HQ (@_gjr7) November 17, 2025
About ten minutes later, a brilliantly executed goal followed, with Serge Gnabry running onto a pass from Goretzka and keeping his cool in front of Slovakia’s goalkeeper. Shortly thereafter, the goal anthem “Major Tom” played for the third time in Leipzig: Wirtz sent Sané steeply from his own half, who was faster than his opponents and coolly slotted it in at the bottom left. A few minutes before the halftime whistle, the game already resembled a true show of power: Once again, Wirtz set up Sané, who hammered the ball into the net from a tight angle.
Pavlović ➡️ Goretzka ➡️ Gnabry ⚽ pic.twitter.com/anT4isfMXh
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 17, 2025
The DFB team clearly wants to make it known today that they are a force to be reckoned with – and that they have a completely different face than in the lackluster victory against Luxembourg: one that absolutely dismantles Slovakia with joy in playing and fighting spirit!
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
📸 ODD ANDERSEN – AFP or licensors
