Nick Woltemade struck twice to steer a lacklustre Germany to a 2-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday, putting the four-time world champions on the verge of securing direct qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America.
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Despite facing opponents ranked 97th in the world, Germany struggled to impose themselves for much of the match. The victory, however, keeps them level on points with Slovakia in Group A, ahead on goal difference with one game remaining. The two sides meet in Leipzig on Monday, where Germany will clinch qualification if they avoid defeat.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had backed Woltemade before kickoff, and the Newcastle striker justified that confidence. After netting his first international goal against Northern Ireland in October, the 1.98-metre forward delivered again for an injury-hit German side missing several key attackers, including Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fuellkrug.
“We weren’t good in the first half,” Woltemade told RTL. “We moved the ball around too much and put ourselves under pressure. We did better in the second half… It wasn’t pretty, but we pushed hard and got the three points.”
Luxembourg, still without a point in the group, created the better opportunities early on. Daniel Sinani came close twice, forcing Germany keeper Oliver Baumann into action. Germany’s midfield, led by Florian Wirtz, struggled to find rhythm, and a frustrated Nagelsmann stormed down the tunnel at halftime.
The message at the break appeared to work as Germany broke through four minutes into the second half. Leroy Sane, making his first Germany appearance since joining Galatasaray, delivered a precise cross for Woltemade to tap in the opener.
Sane played a key role in the second goal as well, linking up with Ridle Baku before Woltemade lifted the ball home in the 69th minute.
Describing his national team return as “an honour”, Sane said he was pleased to contribute. “I’m happy I was able to get an assist and repay Julian’s trust to some extent,” he told RTL.
The win sets up a crucial showdown with Slovakia, with Germany now just one positive result away from sealing their World Cup berth.
