Germany stunned by Slovakia

SLOVAKIA:

Germany lost an away World Cup qualifying game for the first time in a 2-0 upset against Slovakia on Thursday which threw their campaign to reach the 2026 tournament into immediate jeopardy.

David Hancko and David Strelec each exploited mistakes in Germany's defence to give Slovakia -- which last qualified for the World Cup in 2010 -- a surprise lead. Germany couldn't find a way through the Slovakian defence to get back into the game.

It was a blow to coach Julian Nagelsmann and his new-look lineup, including Newcastle's new striker Nick Woltemade in his third Germany game and 21-year-old Nnamdi Collins making his debut at right back.

Nagelsmann was scathing about his team, which he said lacked "emotionality" on the field and the will to win against motivated underdog opposition. He even questioned whether he should pick less skilled but more dedicated players instead.

"Maybe we really do need to rely less on quality and instead on players who just give everything, because that would have led to better results today than if the best players played," he told broadcaster ARD.

Germany now need to win all of their remaining five games to avoid the playoffs, Nagelsmann added.

It was Germany's opening game in Group A, which also saw Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg 3-1 on Thursday.

European champions Spain took an early lead with Mikel Oyarzabal's fifth-minute goal and eased to a 3-0 win over Bulgaria in both teams' opening qualifying game. Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino scored to extend Spain's lead.

Ugurcan Cakir's leaping save in the 11th minute of added time meant Turkey held on to beat Georgia 3-2 in their opening qualifier despite having forward Baris Alper Yilmaz sent off just four minutes after he'd come on from the bench.

Matty Cash scored to salvage a 1-1 draw for Poland, which ended the Netherlands' perfect start to qualifying.

Denzel Dumfries' header off a corner had put the Netherlands on course for a third win from three games without conceding a goal, but Cash levelled the score for Poland with a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 80th minute.

- AP