Nagelsmann left proud after dominant German display

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann was left proud as his side secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup via a 6-0 win against Slovakia.

The pressure was on Julian Nagelsmann and Germany heading into an all-important clash against Slovakia. 

A direct route to next summer’s World Cup was on the line, and Germany were looking to silence critics after a massively underwhelming qualifying campaign thus far. Though after a convincing 6-0 win in Leipzig, Nagelsmann told ZDF that: “Every player showed a very good performance.”

“We found our game and played convincing football. Everyone did very well. I can’t complain.”

The hosts started with intent and were looking to impose themselves from minute one, before Nick Woltemade’s opening goal set the tone for the rest of the evening. Nagelsmann added: “I’m proud of the team – they had to fight after the bad start with the defeat in Slovakia, they pushed themselves and showed a good team spirit.

Captain Joshua Kimmich also made his return to the fold after recent injury struggles and impressed down the right-hand side with a first-half assist for Nick Woltemade.

Nagelsmann said that: “He’s [Kimmich] very valuable to us. He has a lot of experience at this level and played many such games. He’s one of the very best crossers of the ball in Europe, we saw that in the first goal, which was very important.”

“He worked hard and had a good performance, like everyone else. He still had a bit of pain, but he always gives everything for the national team and for his club. That’s why he’s our captain.”

Germany have altered the mood after a lacklustre run in recent months, answering their critics in style. Returning centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck also gave his thoughts on the win, saying: “When we play like we did today, we have a very good team.”

Before he concluded by issuing one statement: “When Jamal [Muisiala], Kai [Havertz], Tim [Kleindienst] and all our injured players are back, we can beat any team. We’re still Germany.”