Germany starts on the wrong foot

Germany suffered its first away defeat in a World Cup qualifier, going down 2-0 to Slovakia, which jeopardizes its bid for the 2026 World Cup.

The home side took advantage of defensive errors to score through David Hancko (42') and David Strelec (55'), while the Germans were unable to decipher the Slovakian order.

Julian Nagelsmann's team included striker Nick Woltemade, in his third game with the German national team, and Nnamdi Collins, making his debut at right back, in their lineup.

The defeat ended a historic streak, as Germany has played every qualifying round since 1954 and had only lost three qualifying matches, all at home. It was also the second time they lost by more than one goal in a knockout round, following a 5-1 defeat to England in 2001.

In other Group A results, Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg 3-1.

A great presentation

Spain began its journey towards the 2026 World Cup with a victory by beating Bulgaria 3-0, in a match decided in the first half with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal (5'), Marc Cucurella (30') and Mikel Merino (38').

The European champions demonstrated, on their first visit to Bulgaria, the enormous gap that exists between the two teams.

In Sofia, Spain displayed the image that a team considered a favorite to win the world championship should display. Without complacency or complacency, they displayed a powerful presence despite it being the first matchday of qualifying.

The team led by Luis de la Fuente had the opportunity to see the return of two key players in Dani Carvajal and Rodri, who returned to the red jersey after suffering serious knee injuries.

Despite still being light years away from his golden age, he is showing an ever-improving footballing level.

Winners of Euro 2024, they have their sights set on the World Cup to crown their players who show a hunger for success against any opponent.

In another Group E match, Turkey secured a crucial result by winning 3-2 in Georgia despite Baris Alper Yilmaz being sent off in the 71st minute.

Surprise in Rotterdam

The Netherlands team failed to win at home, drawing 1-1 with Poland yesterday.

The home side took the lead through Denzel Dumfries (28'). However, without Robert Lewandoski, who returned as captain of the Poles, they leveled the score through Matty Cash (80').

Memphis Depay failed to score the goal he needed to take the all-time scoring record for the Oranje national team. He now remains tied with Robin Van Persie (50 goals).

Both teams, along with Finland, share the lead in Group G with seven points. The Dutch have a game in hand.

In this same sector, Lithuania and Malta tied 1-1.

In results from another sector, J, Belgium showed no mercy and crushed Liechtenstein 6-0, with goals from Maxime de Cuyper (29'), Arthur Theate (60'), Kevin de Bruyne (62'), Malick Fofana (91') and a double from Youri Tielemans (46' and 70').

The Belgian side sits third in their group with seven points, although they have two games in hand over the Welsh side, who beat Kazakhstan 1-0 away from home and reached 10 points. — AP