Fluid and aggressive from the start, Germany produced their best performance of the campaign. Such was their dominance that their 4–0 lead at the break could have been even bigger, and the final score of 6–0 was by no means good.
Nick Woltemade later told ZDF, “We were creative and active. I think it was fun to watch us today.”
Voldemort’s fourth goal in three matches followed the goal in Munich, but Serge Gnabry scored for Germany. The returning Leroy Sane continued his fine form and added two of his own, the latter of whom was a perfect example of Germany’s intensity.
Florian Wertz pressed hard down the left and got the ball back thanks to the power of Voltemed. Wirtz then curled a ball which Sane finished acrobatic at the far post. Germany will not allow Slovakia to leave its own territory. Four goals in 45 minutes. the task has been completed. Christmas had come early for Germany and their fans. Goals from Ridal Baku and debutant Esan Ouédraogo capped a brilliant second half.
After an inconsistent campaign and several changes to the squad since the summer, this was a performance that would certainly have stoked head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup ambitions.
Nagelsmann later said, “Every player played a great game.” “We scored great goals and played great football. I’m proud of the team. There was a lot of pressure on us but the team spirit the boys showed was fantastic. They really pushed each other.”
reasons for optimism
A spectacular night in Leipzig won’t overcome a weakness at wing-back or whether this Germany team has good enough depth. But it was a reminder that, like former great Thomas Muller, this team is moving in the right direction at the right time.
Germany finished the campaign with four consecutive clean sheets. Voltemed’s rapid rise as a reliable goalscorer will encourage Nagelsmann, and will certainly make the injured Kai Havertz sweat. Oliver Baumann’s performances have ended any conversation on the goalkeeper issue. Out-of-form Florian Wertz seemed to have regained some of his joy by providing two assists. And all this without star player Jamal Musiala? There are obvious reasons to be optimistic.
Nico Schlotterbach later said, “When the players come back from injury, we will have even more quality at the top, and if we play like today, it doesn’t matter if they are ranked 46th in the world or top 10, we can beat anyone.”
Ultimately, however, qualified campaigns are unsustainable. As they unfold, the importance of each decision and outcome increases. But as soon as you become eligible, all that ends.
Germany did what was expected of it. Now, the focus will turn to trying to achieve what they and their fans have been dreaming of, a fifth title.
Germany turns its attention to World Cup draw
Those dreams will begin to materialize when the World Cup draw is made on December 5. Then Germany will know who their opponents will be and in which part of the country their tournament will start.
Victory in Leipzig meant top place. This also meant that Germany reached the draw in Pot 1, eliminating the possibility of facing any other top 10 team in the group stage. It may seem like a formality for the four-time world champions, but considering that their last two World Cups have ended in the group stage, any way to ease their path to the knockouts is welcome.
However, perhaps a little more than this performance was welcome. Seventy percent of the balls and six goals represent a display of pure joy and flow. Germany’s 2025 is over – let’s start the conversation about their 2026.
Edited by: Zack Crellin
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