Overview
- Germany clinched top spot in qualifying with a 6:0 win in Leipzig, sending Slovakia to the March playoffs for a World Cup place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
- Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané (two), Ridle Baku and 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouédraogo provided the goals.
- Leroy Sané’s recall, questioned after his move to Galatasaray and an earlier omission, was vindicated as he scored twice and added an assist with strong two-way play.
- International outlets from The Guardian to L’Équipe and AS hailed the display as a statement performance that avoided the playoff risk.
- The emphatic finish followed a labored outing against Luxembourg, underscoring volatility that Nagelsmann aims to smooth as he works to carry the Leipzig momentum into spring.