Overview
- Germany beat Luxembourg 2-0 as Nick Woltemade struck twice after halftime to secure the points.
- After five qualifiers, Germany lead the group with 12 points on goal difference over Slovakia, and Monday’s meeting in Leipzig will send them through with a draw or into March playoffs with a loss.
- A victory against Slovakia would help preserve a seeded position for the World Cup draw scheduled in Washington on December 5.
- German outlets criticized the display, saying Luxembourg were superior before the break, and coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged a poor start before an improved second half he felt merited the win.
- Jonathan Tah captained the side with Joshua Kimmich sidelined by a right-ankle injury, and Woltemade’s form follows his winning goal in Belfast last month.