Kimmich sounds the alarm: This way we won't qualify for the World Cup! | OneFootball

The German national team has made a false start that will go down in history. In the 0-2 defeat against Slovakia, the DFB team presented itself alarmingly weak – and Bayern star Joshua Kimmich had some strong words afterwards.

In Bratislava, the team of national coach Julian Nagelsmann experienced a disastrous evening. Without defensive stability and offensive power, Germany deservedly lost to the world-ranked 52nd team. It was the first away defeat in a World Cup qualification ever – and already the third consecutive competitive match loss.

The goals by David Hancko (42nd minute) and David Strelec (55th minute) sealed the historic defeat. Particularly bitter: Already in the first match of qualification group A, the German team is under pressure. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. On Sunday, Northern Ireland awaits in Cologne, followed by Luxembourg – tasks that seem manageable on paper but are anything but a walk in the park.

“If we continue like this, we won't qualify at all”

Joshua Kimmich, who as captain of the DFB team and a leading player of FC Bayern is particularly in the spotlight, did not hold back with criticism after the final whistle. “If we continue like this, we won't even qualify for the World Cup,” the 30-year-old explained after the game. “Everyone should think about it now. We have two days to do better.”

Kimmich's words show how great the insecurity within the team is. Against Slovakia, the team appeared erratic, without a clear structure in the build-up and vulnerable in set-piece situations. There was no sign of dominance or ease of play.

The pressure on national coach Julian Nagelsmann is also increasing. The DFB team has won only one of its last five games and now there was a historic false start in the qualification. His tactical ideas fizzled out, personnel changes didn't work. Although the coach held back from public criticism in Bratislava, there were likely strong words internally.

Particularly disappointing: The Bayern players, from whom leadership qualities were expected, failed to impress. Alongside Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Jonathan Tah also presented themselves weakly.

The situation is clear: Against Northern Ireland, only a win counts on Sunday. Another weak result would severely jeopardize qualification early on and further intensify criticism of Nagelsmann and the leading players.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.