Julian Nagelsmann slams ‘lack of emotion’ in Germany’s loss to Slovakia
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Germany's Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and teammates look dejected after the match.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BRATISLAVA – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has slammed his side’s “lack of emotion” after their 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia in Bratislava on Sept 4.
The world No. 9 visitors were outclassed by their underdog opponents, who won thanks to goals from David Hancko and David Strelec.
It was Germany’s third straight defeat, following losses to France and Portugal in the Nations League in June, and their first in an away match in World Cup qualifying.
Under Nagelsmann, the four-time World Cup winners are looking for improvement after crashing out in the group stages at the past two World Cups.
After the match, a visibly frustrated Nagelsmann told Germany’s ARD network his players were not lacking in quality, but in passion against their opponents, who are ranked 52nd in the world.
“With emotion, our opponent was simply miles ahead of us from the first to the last minute, that’s a fact. And then, shockingly, they come out on top,” said the coach after their opening match of the qualifiers.
“If you take our history in the past 10 or so years, it’s not like we’re brimming with confidence and can play at 80 per cent. It was no different at the Qatar World Cup (in 2022).
“We haven’t had a great history in recent years and we should have realised that if we want to go to the World Cup and play a good role. Today, we were miles away.”
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich added: “If we perform like we did today, we’ll definitely not qualify (for the World Cup).
“Everyone has to know what’s at stake.”
European champions Spain, who lost June’s Nations League final on penalties to Portugal, had few problems against Bulgaria in Sofia as they won 3-0.
Mikel Oyarzabal produced an expert finish from a Martin Zubimendi pass to open the scoring inside five minutes before Marc Cucurella’s effort on the half-hour.
Lamine Yamal then set up Mikel Merino for the third goal on 38 minutes to seal the win.
The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Rotterdam despite taking the lead in the first half through Denzel Dumfries.
Matty Cash equalised with a ferocious late strike to deny Ronald Koeman’s team.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires, while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at the 2026 World Cup.
With Argentina having already booked their place, Messi struck in the 39th and 80th minutes of the 3-0 home win over Venezuela.
Uruguay sealed their berth by beating Peru 3-0 at home, while Colombia saw off Bolivia by the same scoreline.
Paraguay also reached the 2026 Finals after a 0-0 home draw against already-qualified Ecuador.
Brazil, who have also booked their ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, were 3-0 winners over Chile.
Messi has not given an indication as to when he plans to retire, but the 38-year-old has said the match against Venezuela would be his last World Cup qualifier on home soil.
“Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamt of,” an emotional Messi said after the match.
“For many years, I had the affection of Barcelona fans and my dream was to have it here in my country too.” AFP, REUTERS
