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over Slovakia, an offensive masterclass that wipes away doubts and secures, in style, qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Some nights, everything falls back into place. In the biting cold, the Red Bull Arena witnessed a compact, vertical, hungry Germany. First, a methodical occupation of the Slovak half, then acceleration at the right moment. Nick Woltemade set the tone with a furious header on a pinpoint service from Joshua Kimmich. Serge Gnabry doubled the lead after a clean transition, and Leroy Sané sealed the deal before halftime with a smooth brace on two moments of brilliance from Florian Wirtz. Four goals, four signatures — the feeling of a team that had been in the shadows in recent months suddenly stepping back into full light.
Active control after the break
Leipzig kept vibrating after the restart, not through passive game management but through active control: counter-pressing, open channels, one-touch variations. Ridle Baku, brought on to refresh the flank, added his mark after a sharp collective move. And as if to end the night with a promise, young Assan Ouedraogo scored on his first cap, guiding the ball in with calm precision — the stands rising, his smile beaming. Six goals, no scares at the back, a clean performance from start to finish that speaks both to the numbers and to the eyes.
Putting the opening defeat back in its place
People will always rewind the tape and mention the opening loss — loud because it was unexpected. It will remain what it deserves to be: an isolated incident in a qualification history where Germany rarely stumbles. The answer in Leipzig tells another story: shorter circuits, Wirtz as conductor, Kimmich as metronome, Sané as a razor, Woltemade confirming his form, and above all, a clear framework imposed by Julian Nagelsmann. Germany has rediscovered rhythm, intent, and identity. And, as a bonus, that special pleasure of playing while moving forward.
The message sent from Leipzig will travel across the continent: Germany isn’t just back — it’s back with force. Ticket validated, doubts left in the locker room, demolition mode activated — heading toward 2026 with the feeling that the machine has truly restarted.
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