What did coach Nagelsmann say after the German team received a shock in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?

According to coach Julian Nagelsmann, the German team showed no emotion in the shocking 0-2 loss to Slovakia on September 5, in the opening match of Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe.

Germany lost in World Cup qualifiers for the first time

"We didn't show any emotion in today's match. Mentally, our opponents were far superior. We wanted to qualify for the World Cup, but today we didn't achieve that goal," coach Nagelsmann said frankly after the match.

Coach Nagelsmann disappointed with Germany's shocking defeat in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Photo: Reuters

The 38-year-old coach also criticized the German players: "I want to see emotions from the players. We have selected the best players in Germany, but perhaps we should prioritize quality and prioritize players who are willing to give their all."

The German team used top stars such as Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, players who set transfer records when joining Liverpool and Newcastle clubs recently, or central defender Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah and captain Joshua Kimmich... However, they received a shock against the underdog Slovakia with 2 goals in the 42nd and 55th minutes, respectively scored by David Hanchko and David Strelec for the home team.

According to statistics firm Opta, this is the first time in history that the German team has lost away from home and also the first time in a World Cup qualifier. In total, in 52 away matches in World Cup qualifiers, the German team has won 41, drawn 10 and lost 1.

The disappointment of the German team players, they must correct their mistakes soon if they don't want to stay home and watch the World Cup

Photo: Reuters

In addition, this is also the third consecutive loss of the German team recently, thereby sounding the alarm bell for their ambition to win the 2026 World Cup. Before that, they lost to Portugal 1-2 and France 0-2, respectively in the semi-finals and the third-place match of the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

The German team still has a chance to make amends after the loss to Slovakia, to regain hope of competing for the top spot in Group A with the next match against Northern Ireland on September 8. But coach Nagelsmann has begun to feel a lot of pressure after a terrible start.

In other groups, Spain opened Group E with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria to top the group. Meanwhile, the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Poland to continue to top Group G with 7 points, but ranked higher due to a better goal difference.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-nagelsmann-noi-gi-sau-khi-doi-duc-nhan-cu-soc-o-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-185250905082653248.htm