Victory against Luxembourg
Double Woltemade saves weak DFB team
Updated 11/14/2025 – 10:50 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Against outsiders Luxembourg, the DFB team performed very weakly for long periods. In the end they had their striker to thank for the victory.
The German national soccer team fought its way to a victory against outsiders Luxembourg in the World Cup qualification. On Friday evening, after a largely weak performance, it was ultimately 2-0 from a German perspective. The DFB team had a lot of trouble against the Luxembourgers, especially in the first half, and were almost happy that the score was 0-0 at the break, as the hosts missed a few chances.
In the second half the Germans presented themselves at least a little improved and it was Nick Woltemade who secured the win with a brace (49th and 69th minutes). With the win, Germany maintained its lead in qualifying group A. At the end against Slovakia (Monday from 8:45 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online), it is still forbidden to lose if the direct World Cup ticket is to be purchased. However, a draw would be enough.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann had sent Jonathan Tah onto the field as captain, Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton replaced the ailing Nico Schlotterbeck in the defense center, and Leipzig’s Ridle Baku took over Kimmich’s full-back position. “One man’s sorrow is another man’s joy,” said the national coach before kick-off on RTL, “that’s why they can step on the gas today.”
He gave his “eternal” problem child Leroy Sané another chance to prove himself. The Turkish legionnaire was in the starting line-up at the Stade de Luxembourg, which was sold out with 9,214 spectators – for the first time since the Nations League semi-final against Portugal in June. “He knows how much I think of him, he got a lot of love from me,” said Nagelsmann, “but he is now challenged. In the end I evaluate whether he took advantage of the opportunity or not.”
Former Bundesliga player Jeff Strasser’s Luxembourg team started offensively and courageously, relying on high pressing. The DFB defense had problems, Anton was particularly noticeable in the early stages with bad passes. Florian Wirtz managed the first shot, but his shot was missed by goalkeeper Anthony Moris (9th). But then, on the other side, St. Pauli professional Danel Sinani narrowly missed the goal (11th) – as did Augsburg’s Aiman Dardari (18th).