Germans lose first ever away qualifier in 52 matches
Spain and Belgium ease to comfortable victories
Four-time world champions Germany suffered their first away loss in a World Cup qualifier after their shock 2-0 defeat by hosts Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday in Group A.
The Germans, who have set a goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, had never before lost a World Cup qualifier on the road in 52 matches, and they have now lost their last three consecutive games, after defeats by Portugal and France in the Nations League in June.
They found themselves on the back foot with the Slovaks missing a golden chance in the opening seconds through Lubomir Satka. Germany keeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer with a superb save in the 21st minute.
