"If we play like we did [against Slovakia], we are a very, very good team. If the guys who are currently injured also come back, then I believe we will have a very good World Cup. The first step has been taken. The next steps will then follow at the World Cup. I believe that if we play a World Cup like the European Championship last time, with a little more luck, with a little more performance from us, then I believe that we can really achieve something at the World Cup."
"I'm really proud of the team. We had a bumpy start to the qualifiers, and the pressure was on. It was a very good game. Every player played extremely well today and worked like a maniac. We got into the game really well defensively, thanks to a huge effort."
Germany secured a 6-0 win over Slovakia with goals from Leroy Sané (two), Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouedraogo, clinching top spot in Group A and qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team produced 22 shots (10 on target), 4.0 expected goals, 47 opposition-box touches versus Slovakia's six, and 96 final-third entries. Germany have won five consecutive qualifiers, their best run since 2021, and have now qualified for the World Cup for the 21st time. Nico Schlotterbeck returned from injury and expressed confidence about the squad's potential if injured players regain fitness.
Read at Soccer News
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