Overview
- The decisive qualifier kicks off Monday in Leipzig, where a draw sends Germany directly to the World Cup and a loss triggers March playoffs, with a win strengthening seeding for the December draw.
- Citing the 0:2 loss in Bratislava, Nagelsmann warned the approach must change, highlighting sluggish play and lost one-on-ones, and he identified Slovakia midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as the opponent’s fulcrum.
- Germany labored in a 2:0 over Luxembourg, turning the match only after the break through a Nick Woltemade brace, and Nagelsmann said he kept halftime calm because the squad does not benefit from being berated.
- Woltemade has emerged as the in-form scorer with three qualifying goals, Leroy Sané contributed an assist and is set for another chance, Nico Schlotterbeck is poised to return, Joshua Kimmich is a fitness doubt, and absent Niclas Füllkrug is weighing a January move per reports.
- Slovakia arrive buoyed by a late win over Northern Ireland, already assured of the playoffs, boasting a stingy defense with only two goals conceded, and expressing belief in pulling off a “small miracle” in Leipzig.