"I don't want to hear about quality anymore; it's about emotion," Nagelsmann said after the match at Slovakia's National Stadium on 4/9. "Apart from two or three injured players, we selected the best players, but perhaps we need to use lesser-known players if they are willing to give their all. Then, the result might have been different."

Julian Nagelsmann reacts during Germany's 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the European 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Bratislava, Slovakia on 4/9/2025. Photo: DPA

Julian Nagelsmann reacts during Germany's 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the European 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Bratislava, Slovakia on 4/9/2025. Photo: DPA

Nagelsmann started several star players, including Newcastle's $105 million signing Nick Woltemade, Liverpool's $170 million midfielder Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich players Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, and Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rudiger.

However, they underperformed and suffered a 2-0 defeat. This was Germany's first away loss in a World Cup qualifier, ending a 52-match unbeaten streak.

They also endured a record of three consecutive defeats in official matches—something that hadn't happened in 117 years. Previously, during the FIFA Days in June, Germany lost 2-1 to Portugal in the Nations League semi-final and 2-0 to France in the third-place play-off.

Nagelsmann argued that the German players should have approached the match as if it were a Champions League semi-final, instead of playing with the "handbrake on." He emphasized that this defeat was a wake-up call that without fighting spirit, the team could see their World Cup dream end early. "Why could a third-division club like Wehen Wiesbaden draw 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the German Cup? Not because of player quality, but because of their determination and emotion," the 38-year-old coach illustrated.

Joshua Kimmich (left) dribbles past Milan Skriniar. Photo: DFB

Joshua Kimmich (left) dribbles past Milan Skriniar. Photo: DFB

The German players also admitted to playing below par. "The start of the match was bad; all the important elements were missing," captain Joshua Kimmich expressed. "This isn't about systems or tactics, it's about attitude. If we keep playing like today, there will be no World Cup ticket."

Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann felt Germany was lacking in challenges, played without solidity and cohesion, and wasted opportunities. Center-back Jonathan Tah admitted the team lacked control, both with and without the ball, and deserved the defeat. "This performance was far below expectations. We have to seriously reflect and do better in the next match," he said.

In the other Group A match, Northern Ireland won 3-1 away to Luxembourg.

In the next round on 7/9, Germany returns home to face Northern Ireland, while Slovakia plays Luxembourg.

Compiled by Hong Duy