Germany stunned in opening World Cup qualifier
Germany made a losing start to its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, as it was beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in Bratislava.
Goals from David Hancko and David Strelec settled the Group A clash in favour of the host at Stadion Tehelne pole.
Slovakia went close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half with Oliver Baumann denying Leo Sauer.
At the other end, Martin Dubravka thwarted Maximilian Mittelstadt, while new Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade headed over from close range.
It was Francesco Calzona's side that struck the opening goal three minutes before half-time, as Strelec drilled a return ball across the area for Hancko – who had continued his run after driving across halfway – to sweep home a neat first-time finish.
Germany sought a response early in the second half with Leon Goretzka calling Dubravka into action. Yet, it fell further behind in the 55th minute when Norbert Gyomber helped a high ball onto Strelec, who twisted away from Antonio Rudiger before bending into the top corner on his left foot.
Dubravka was alert to tip Lubomir Satka's sliced clearance over the bar in stoppage time, but that was as close as Julian Nagelsmann's side came to responding as its campaign began with a surprise defeat.
