Germany and Slovakia meet in a tense Group A showdown with first place and automatic World Cup qualification on the line. Both sides are level on 12 points, but Germany arrive with momentum after their 2-0 win over Luxembourg, a match covered in detail by SoftFootball.
That result put Julian Nagelsmann’s men in control, needing only a draw to finish top. Slovakia know only a win keeps their dream of topping the group alive, and their confidence comes from the famous 2-0 home win earlier in the campaign. Germany, though, have grown stronger since then and have won four straight qualifiers.
Form has swung sharply in Germany’s favour. SoftFootball also highlighted their tight 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. Nick Woltemade scored in both those games and has become a big factor in their attack. Slovakia rely heavily on organisation and patience, which paid off in their own narrow win against Northern Ireland.
Their away record is still a concern, with five losses in their last six road matches, but they remain a stubborn opponent who rarely allow early goals. The history books give Germany the edge with eight wins from twelve meetings, but Slovakia have taken three of the last six clashes.
Germany have also scored most of their recent goals before the hour mark, while Slovakia tend to grow into games late. The match in Leipzig looks set to be tight, with both teams favouring low-scoring encounters, but the pressure sits heavier on Slovakia, since anything but a victory drops them into the playoffs.
Team News
Germany hope Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck return to fitness in time, while Nadiem Amiri is still out. Slovakia report a full squad and travel without major injury concerns.
Possible Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Baku, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Wirtz, Gnabry; Woltemade
Slovakia (4-3-3): Dubravka; Gyomber, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko; Bero, Lobotka, Rigo; Duris, Strelec, Haraslin
Germany shared a post on their official X account celebrating their 2-0 victory over Luxembourg, with Nick Woltemade scoring both goals in the second half to help secure all three points.
Check the post below:
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Germany look stronger, more confident and will be lifted by home support. Slovakia can frustrate, but their away struggles make this difficult. A narrow Germany win feels like the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Germany 1-0 Slovakia
