What Germany defeat and performance tells us about Nick Woltemade – The big message | OneFootball

Nick Woltemade making only his third appearance for Germany on Thursday night.

Slovakia running out deserved 2-0 winners, with former Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka keeping a clean sheet.

What this Germany defeat and performance tells us about Newcastle’s new signing Nick Woltemade, the big message, is that just like every over striker they are massively reliant on those behind them for decent service.

It was anything but in this World Cup group qualifier, as with Germany missing many of their best players, especially creatively, the night was a struggle all round for Nagelsmann’s side.

Nick Woltemade didn’t play well either but the more established and experienced international players fell well short. Wirtz, Kimmich, Goretzka and Gnabry all really poor. Whilst Rudiger and Tah even worse in defence.

Hancko and Strelec with goals either side of half-time and whilst this defeat has been reported as some kind of massive shock, in reality, it was always a real possibility. Germany a much weakened team and Slovakia are no mugs now, with some quality players.

The Whoscored automated ratings had seven players rated 7.0 or better and all were playing for Slovakia.

Mittelstadt (6.9) was highest rated for Germany, with then both Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz next highest (6.5).

In a four team group where only the top side automatically qualifies, Germany immediately under pressure after this defeat in the first of six group matches.

A massive match on Sunday when Germany host early group leaders Northern Ireland who won 3-1 against Luxembourg last night.

This is the September 2025 international schedule for Newcastle United players:

Thursday 4 September

Slovakia 2 Germany 0

Nick Woltemade making his third appearance for Germany but starved of service. Germany missing many of their best players, especially creatively. Germany deservedly beaten in their opening World Cup group qualifier. Rudiger and Tah especially poor in defence.

Friday 5 September

Brazil 3 Chile 0

Bruno Guimaraes putting in a top class performance in this dominant World Cup group qualifier victory. Topping it off by scoring the third and final goal, Bruno rated man of the match. Joelinton not named in the matchday squad and it appears he has stayed in Newcastle to make sure he comes back from injury against Wolves in eight days time.

Italy v Estonia (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier

South Sudan v DR Congo (Yoane Wissa) World Cup group qualifier

Denmark v Scotland (Will Osula) World Cup group qualifier

Slovenia v Sweden (Emil Krafth, Anthony Elanga) World Cup group qualifier

Saturday 6 September

England v Andorra (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento) World Cup group qualifier

Sunday 7 September

Germany v Northern Ireland (Nick Woltemade) World Cup group qualifier

Monday 8 September

Israel v Italy (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier (Neutral venue – Hungary)

Greece v Denmark (Will Osula) World Cup group qualifier

Kosovo v Sweden (Emil Krafth, Anthony Elanga) World Cup group qualifier

Kazakhstan U21s v England U21s (Lewis Miley) U21s European Championship group qualifier

Tuesday 9 September

Serbia v England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento) World Cup group qualifier