Unacceptable defeat of the German team

For more than a decade, the German team has been struggling to regain the heroic image of the "Tank" that once struck fear into the world.

Germany started the 2026 World Cup qualifiers sluggishly.

Since winning the 2014 World Cup, disappointments have followed one another: Euro 2016 stopped in the semi-finals, the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were eliminated in the group stage, and Euro 2020 was no better. Fans had high hopes for Julian Nagelsmann - a young, daring coach - to bring "Die Mannschaft" back to winning ways. But the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Bratislava painted a different picture: a 0-2 defeat to Slovakia, an opponent that was considered much weaker.

Historic fall

Against Slovakia, Germany set a “sad record”: losing a World Cup qualifier away from home for the first time in their history. This was all the more worrying as it came just three months after a disappointing Nations League campaign. In a match where Germany needed to show their improvement, they were weak, lifeless and almost soulless.

Nagelsmann’s players started the game slowly and disjointedly. The first half ended with Germany fortunately only trailing 0-1. In the second half, when David Strelec turned Antonio Rüdiger into a “victim” with a skillful tackle to increase the score to 2-0, people saw the image of a team giving up, like an exhausted boxer after 12 rounds.

This defeat cannot be justified by physical factors or the fact that the season has just begun. Because Germany has expensive young stars like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade - two transfers worth 210 million euros. More importantly, Nagelsmann has been in charge for two years, enough time to make his tactical mark. However, all the fans got in return was chaos.

The defeat to Slovakia was a shock to Germany.

“We lacked in every aspect – in possession, in losing the ball, in transition, and in defence,” said centre-back Jonathan Tah. “We had no connection with the game. It was a very poor performance.” That confession revealed the painful truth: Germany were not only out of touch tactically, but also in spirit and attitude.

Nagelsmann and emotional problems

After the match, Nagelsmann stressed that the problem was not about the system or tactics, but about the spirit: “Our emotions were far behind our opponents. If we don’t find that again, we can close the book.”

Captain Joshua Kimmich agreed: “There is no need to talk about the scheme. The problem lies in the mindset, and that has been the cause in recent matches.” A bitter but accurate confession. Germany does not lack talent, but lacks the desire and passion that once made their brand.

The contrasting images between Slovakia - a young, determined team, playing with surging energy - and Germany - slow, superficial, deadlocked - exposed the truth: a team that was once an icon has become a disoriented collective.

The defeat also exposed Germany’s chronic problem at full-back. With Kimmich back in midfield, Nagelsmann gave Nnamdi Collins a chance on the right wing. But the 21-year-old had a disastrous debut, lacking in attack and defending against Slovakia’s 19-year-old Leo Sauer. Substituted at half-time, Collins became the poster boy for a night to forget.

Nagelsmann needs to get Germany back soon.

The question is: why wasn't Kimmich moved back to right-back - a position he used to excel at? Because it seems Nagelsmann is experimenting in desperation, and Collins' failure only highlights the gap that Germany have been unable to fill for years.

The defeat to Slovakia was not only a shock in terms of results, but also a wake-up call. A team that had been built on a foundation of iron discipline and indomitable spirit had now been abandoned by those same qualities. The Germans had once been proud of the title “Die Mannschaft”, but now the name sounded shaky and empty.

The joy from Euro 2024 - where they left a positive mark - has now almost been erased. What remains is the worry: Will Nagelsmann have the courage to revive the team's spirit? Will a talented young generation like Wirtz, Musiala, Moukoko be wasted in a team that has lost its way?

With World Cup qualifying still a long way to go, Germany's next game against Northern Ireland in Cologne will be their chance to make amends. But if they don't improve immediately, the 2026 World Cup dream could turn into a nightmare - and Nagelsmann will be under immense pressure.

Last night’s Bratislava was a wake-up call. Germany cannot live on its glorious past, nor can it rely on individual talent forever. They need a mental boost, need to find the identity of “The Tank” - a team that always plays with a burning heart, a fighting spirit and a never-ending spirit.

Otherwise, the defeat against Slovakia will not stop at a historic number, but also open a new dark period for football, once the pride of Europe.

Source: https://znews.vn/that-bai-khong-the-chap-nhan-cua-tuyen-duc-post1582849.html