Germany plays host to Slovakia on Monday evening for a place in the World Cup up for grabs. Having previously lost to Slovakia earlier in their qualifying campaign, Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be looking to put things right in Leipzig.
What Does Germany Need to Qualify?
For Germany, it’s simple. A draw or a win and they top the group and book their place in next year’s World Cup in North America.
What’s more, should Germany top the group, they will also guarantee their place as a seeded nation in Pot 1 ahead of the group phase draw this December. That means that they’ll avoid the likes of Brazil, England, France, Spain, and other top nations during the group stages.
What Happens If Germany Loses?
The unthinkable for fans of Die Mannschaft. However, should Germany lose on Monday, they’ll finish second and go into the World Cup play-offs, which are due to take place next March.
In the play-offs, Germany will be in Pot 1 and play a one-off semi-final at home against a nation in Pot 4. Currently, these are Northern Ireland, Sweden, Romania, and North Macedonia.
Should they come through the semi-final, they’ll then play a final match a few days later against another nation that also won their semi-final. The routes will be confirmed on Thursday 20th November during the official play-off draw.
If Germany book their place at the World Cup via the play-offs, they should then keep their spot in Pot 1 within the group stages.
In previous formats of the World Cup, anyone who makes it through the play-offs is automatically put into Pot 4 with the lowest-ranked nations. However, FIFA now plans on putting nations in their corresponding pot based purely on their FIFA World Ranking, rather than on how they got to the tournament.
Team News
Germany will have central defender Nico Schlotterbeck and midfielder/defender Joshua Kimmich back from minor injuries. Both players were absent against Luxembourg on Friday, but should be available for selection against Slovakia.
In a game in which Germany struggled, particularly in the first half, this is certainly great news and should help with any nerves from a fan’s perspective.
Nick Woltemade is almost guaranteed to lead the up front. The Newcastle United striker has scored all three of Germany’s last goals, including a first senior international brace against Luxembourg last week. Without him, you really wonder where Germany would be in the qualifying group.
Though it’s not been a campaign to be particularly pleased with, for Germany, it’s simple. Win or draw on Monday, and all will be forgotten, and they can focus on their preparation for next year’s World Cup.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
