Nagelsmann Hails Germany’s Ruthless Response as Woltemade Leads 6–0 Rout of Slovakia

Germany delivered the kind of emphatic performance their coach has been demanding for months, dismantling Slovakia 6–0 in Leipzig to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. After a rocky start to the campaign and a humbling defeat to the same opponent in September, Julian Nagelsmann’s side responded with a display of authority, aggression and precision that felt like a statement of intent ahead of next year’s finals in North America.

The breakthrough came after 18 minutes when Nick Woltemade, whose recent form has reshaped Germany’s attacking dynamics, took his tally to four goals in three matches. The Newcastle United forward continues to justify Nagelsmann’s trust, both with his pressing intensity and his instinct in the box. Serge Gnabry doubled the advantage shortly before the half-hour mark, capitalising on Germany’s total control of possession and territory.

The evening then belonged briefly to Leroy Sané. Criticised for inconsistency and warned that opportunities would not be endless, the Bayern Munich winger answered emphatically, striking twice in a five-minute burst before the interval. His brace marked his first multi-goal outing for the national team since 2021, a timely reminder of the explosiveness he can bring when operating with confidence.

Germany’s substitutes maintained the level after the break. Ridle Baku struck early in the second half and emerging talent Assan Ouedraogo rounded off the scoring, underlining the squad’s depth—an area Nagelsmann has repeatedly emphasised as crucial in tournament football. With 21 goals scored across the qualifiers and only five conceded, Germany’s improved balance was on full display.

Speaking to ZDF after the match, Nagelsmann lauded the collective effort: “I’m incredibly proud of the team. The start of these qualifiers wasn’t smooth, and today the pressure was enormous. Every player worked like a maniac. Our defensive intensity was outstanding, and the quality of our goals showed what we’re capable of when everything clicks.”

Captain Joshua Kimmich echoed his coach’s sentiment, praising the clarity and preparation behind the performance. “The staff set us up perfectly,” he said. “We knew that playing close to our best would be enough. Everyone wanted to send out a statement, and we did.”

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck, ever-present under Nagelsmann, was bullish about the future: “If we maintain this level and get our injured guys back, I genuinely believe we can have a very strong World Cup,” he said.

Woltemade, meanwhile, expressed relief more than celebration. “We were switched on from the first second. It’s a huge relief to deliver a match like this when it matters most,” he noted.

With qualification secured, Germany will now turn their attention to refining their structure and rhythm—something they have lacked in major tournaments since 2014. On this evidence, optimism around Die Mannschaft is rising again.

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