Press comments on the DFB victory
“The Germans were the worse for at least half of the season”
November 15, 2025 – 8:00 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Germany struggles to a 2-0 win at football dwarf Luxembourg. After that, the press reviews are clear. The reactions at a glance.
“We have three points, that’s the important thing in the end,” said national coach Julian Nagelsmann afterwards on RTL: “Football is a results sport. Nevertheless, it was much more arduous than one would have hoped.”
The media response after the game was correspondingly clear. The press reviews at a glance.
“Kicker”: “After a weak first half, the DFB team in Luxembourg improved their performance after the break, with double packer Woltemade being the decisive man. In some situations, however, Germany was lucky against a Luxembourg team that sold itself dearly.”
“The Daily Mirror”: “Rumbling victory instead of a celebration of goals: The road to the World Cup remains a football ordeal for Julian Nagelsmann and the fans of the national team. Without their injured captain and leader Joshua Kimmich, the DFB team averted an embarrassment against Luxembourg after an indisputable first half thanks to Nick Woltemade’s brace.”
“Sport1”: “After an extremely harmless first half, in which Luxembourg was the stronger team for long stretches, the players discussed things in the locker room while national coach Julian Nagelsmann and his coaching team were already sitting on the bench in the pouring rain. Match winner Nick Woltemade finally redeemed the DFB team shortly after the restart.”
“Süddeutsche Zeitung”: “The German national team has to struggle terribly to achieve the expected victory in Luxembourg. A draw against Slovakia is now enough to finally secure qualification for the World Cup.”
“Sky”: “First frightening, then ice cold: Thanks to Nick Woltemade, the German national team has averted one of the biggest embarrassments in its history and is only one step away from taking part in the 21st World Cup.”
“The time”: “The Germans were the worse for at least one half. They played slowly, imprecisely, and often made do with back passes. Leon Goretzka, who was substituted early due to yellow-red danger, set the strongest accents with his hearty tackles. As a TV viewer, when the upcoming Darmstadt vs. Fürth broadcast was announced on RTL, you could have had the idea that this second division game was currently being played.”