Overview
- The teams are level on points, but Germany’s superior goal difference means a draw secures direct qualification, while a Slovak victory would win the group for Calzona’s side.
- Nagelsmann warned that Germany must win more one-on-one duels and increase tempo after a slow, passive first leg, insisting the mindset and intensity must change.
- Slovakia arrive buoyed by a stoppage‑time win over Northern Ireland and a stingy defense that has conceded only two goals in qualifying, with Lobotka and Skriniar central to their structure.
- Leroy Sané impressed in Luxembourg and is expected to start, Nick Woltemade has emerged with three key qualifying goals, and Jonathan Tah is set to captain as Joshua Kimmich races fitness with Nico Schlotterbeck likely to return.
- Rudi Völler is acting as a calming adviser to keep focus before the decider, while reports in Germany say West Ham may allow Niclas Füllkrug to seek a January move as he battles injuries and form.