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Internationals
Tue, 18/11/25, 12:00
Germany secure World Cup qualification with big win, Stanišić’s Croatia victorious in Montenegro
Led by a core of five Bayern players, Germany claimed a comprehensive 6-0 win over Group A rivals Slovakia in their final game of World Cup qualifying to secure their place in next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA. “The World Cup is the greatest thing there is. We’re not used to it being so tight in Germany, so I’m really happy,” said Joshua Kimmich, who captained the team in Leipzig on Monday.
Serge Gnabry contributed a goal and an assist in Germany’s win over Slovakia. | © Imago
After an ankle issue kept him out of the 2-0 win over Luxembourg, Kimmich returned to Julian Nagelsmann’s team alongside Bayern teammates Jonathan Tah, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlović, setting up Nick Woltemade’s opener with a cross in the 18th minute. Gnabry got the second after a passing move between Pavlović and Goretzka, before former FCB man Leroy Sané struck a brace in the closing minutes of the first-half. Gnabry set up substitute Ridle Baku for a fifth in the second half before Assan Ouédraogo completed the rout.
The result means Germany finish top of Group A on 15 points from six games, having made up for their opening 2-0 defeat in Slovakia in September. “I think everyone wanted to make a statement today,” Kimmich added of his team’s convincing display, which will boost the team’s confidence going into next year. “There are still things to improve, but if we play like we did today, we can achieve something big,” Gnabry concluded.
Stanišić finishes with a win
Josip Stanišić’s Croatia finished qualifying with victory in Montenegro. | © Imago
Josip Stanišić and Croatia also ended World Cup qualifying on a high. The Bayern defender came on for the second half to help his country come from 2-1 down to win in Montenegro, with Kristijan Jakić and Nikola Vlašić netting in the final 20 minutes. Ivan Perišić’s penalty had earlier reduced the deficit following early goals from Milutin Osmajić and Nikola Krstović. Croatia were already assured of their place at next summer’s finals at the top of Group L, finishing six points clear of the Czech Republic.
Harry Kane also ended qualifying in style with England:
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