Germany vs Slovakia: Woltemade, Gnabry and Sane goals put hosts on course for 2026 World Cup qualifying

"A header from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry's strike and a Leroy Sane double put Germany firmly on course for 2026 World Cup qualification in their winner-takes-all final match of European Group A against Slovakia. Knowing only victory would be enough to finish top, Slovakia were overwhelmed by their opponents' press in Leipzig, falling 4-0 behind at half-time. Woltemade headed in returning captain Joshua Kimmich's cross before Gnabry slotted in from Leon Goretzka's pass and Sane struck twice from Florian Wirtz assists."

"Slovakia will finish second and enter the play-offs unless the Falcons produce one of the greatest international comebacks of all time during the second period. Germany suffered a major blow on the eve of their game against Luxembourg when Joshua Kimmich suffered an ankle issues in training, but the captain returns after remaining an unused substitute in Gasperich. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck also stayed on the bench but returns from injury as a starter this time."

"Germany starting XI: Oliver Baumann, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Leroy Sane, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade Germany substitutes: Malick Thiaw, Waldemar Anton, Jamie Leweling, Assan Ouedraogo, Jonathan Burkardt, Alexander Nubel, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, Kevin Schade, Nathaniel Brown, Finn Dahmen, Ridle Baku"

Germany dominated Slovakia in Leipzig, winning 4-0 in the decisive final match of European Group A. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring with a header from Joshua Kimmich's cross, Serge Gnabry added a second from Leon Goretzka's pass, and Leroy Sane completed a brace with two finishes set up by Florian Wirtz. Slovakia were overwhelmed by Germany's press and trailed 4-0 at half-time. Slovakia will finish second and enter the play-offs unless they produce a dramatic comeback in the second period. Germany named a strong squad with Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck returning to the side.

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