The Wirtz Mark

When it comes to showing character, Germany rarely disappoint their fans. In Leipzig, Julian Nagelsmann's side played powerful, fast and efficient football.

A Slovakia that shocked Germany 2-0 in the opening round of qualifying fell victim to a furious counter-attack: a 6-0 win, a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup .

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Germany exploded to win a ticket to the World Cup. Photo: Imago

This is Germany's fifth consecutive win in all competitions, including four clean sheets in the last four matches.

A team that was once doubted throughout the early qualifying stages is now transforming, more stable and cool, like the collective that has many times built prestige in the history of world football.

The center of the performance was Leroy San e , a player who has caused controversy many times about his performance and attitude in the national team. Against Slovakia, he exploded in an unexpected way , directly scoring a double and 1 assist.

Sane shone , but the one who started all the attacking whirlwind was Florian Wirtz – the player who is becoming the new brain of the German team .

Both times San e scored came from delicate, timely and creative passes from Wirtz - who constantly made Slovakia's defense shaken by his excellent ability to turn and launch attacks, contrary to his image at Liverpool (has not scored or assisted in the Premier League).

Nagelsmann was heavily criticised after a chaotic testing period at the start of the qualifiers. At the most crucial moment, he opted for simplicity: giving the leading role to those who were in peak form , or most tactically suited .

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Wirtz excelled in leading the game. Photo: Imago

That comfort helped Wirtz wake up Sane. Serge Gnabry also had a good game, participating in moments that changed the whole situation of Germany's qualifying.

The "tank" rises

Not only San e, Wirtz or Gnabry , but Nagelsmann's tactical system also operates much more smoothly.

Despite not yet fully recovering from his ankle injury, Joshua Kimmich still started at right-back and made his mark with an assist for Woltemade to start the goal-scoring spree .

Germany's midfield was left to Bayern Munich duo Pavlovic and Goretzka, who completely controlled the tempo , constantly forcing Slovakia into a difficult defensive position.

In just 12 minutes, starting from the 29th minute, Germany finished off Slovakia with 3 goals – 2 from San e , 1 from Gnabry. The 4-0 score right before halftime turned the second half into a “practice match”.

But even after slowing down, Germany was still able to keep the pace and increase the gap. Ridle Baku increased the score to 5-0 . His second goal in 8 matches for the “ Mannschaft ” – a discovery of Nagelsmann at the age of 27.

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Gnabry and Woltemade both scored. Photo: Imago

In the final minutes, the Red Bull Arena exploded when Assan Ou e draogo came on and scored after just over 120 seconds. RB Leipzig's home debut was truly impressive.

Ou e draogo is likened to a midfielder like Paul Pogba. At 19 years and 192 days, Ouedraogo is the youngest player to score on his debut for Germany since Klaus Stürmer in 1954 (19 years and 68 days).

For Nagelsmann's team, it was a beautiful moment to end a jubilant evening, and also a greeting to a new generation. Germany found their mettle, and also had a sense of inheritance.

Ou e draogo possesses outstanding physique, speed and technical qualities . He won the 2023 European U17 Championship – a tournament where Lamine Yamal shone, as well as the U17 World Cup that same year in Indonesia (Germany's first championship).

Now, Ou e draogo is expected to bring luck to Germany at the World Cup in North America.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tuyen-duc-gianh-ve-world-cup-2026-ban-linh-co-xe-tang-2463801.html