INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Germany succumb to North Macedonia in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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In an unfortunate set of events, the 4 times FIFA World Cup winners, Germany lost 2-1 against North Macedonia in the qualifiers round for the next World Cup. To make things even worse, this was their first loss in the qualifying round in 20 years.

This defeat was a difficult one for the Germans to digest. Ranking 13th, they were much superior to their opponents, who ranked far behind at 65. This was another repeat of the humiliating loss which saw them go out in the group stage against South Korea during the World Cup 2018.

They belong in Group-J of the qualifying round, with no challenging opposition to worry about. Perhaps they forgot to expect the unexpected. They have been struggling a lot despite having many recognized talents in the squad.

Keeping everything in mind, they were out for redemption and even started the qualifying campaign decently. They won by 3 goals against Iceland and by a single goal against Romania in the opening 2 fixture. However, they were taken by surprise against North Macedonia and their poor display added more salt to it.

They are currently sitting 3rd in the group of 6, with their opponent sitting above them on goal difference. This defeat will remain a worrying factor for one of the best Football countries in the World. This was also Joachim Loew’s last qualifying fixture.

Germany vs North Macedonia Match Analysis:

Germany were clearly dominating the game with 70% possession. Despite these efforts, North Macedonia twice found a way to score against them. It was also the away team that took the lead twice that helped them grab a historic win that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Macedonia’s skipper, the 37-year-old striker, Goran Pandev was the one who gave them the lead. The Country’s leading goal scorer was left completely unmarked as he was able to tap in the ball in the stoppage time of the 1st half.

In the second half, Germany rallied the opponents back to their box with back-to-back attacks. Serge Gnabry came close to scoring but he sent it wide. Their only chance came when they got a penalty in the 63rd minute. The captain for the day, Ilkay Gundogan made no mistake in converting from the spot.

Timo Werner had the chance to give his team the lead. But his howler in front of the goal summed up his ongoing phase. However, their opponents didn’t make that mistake as Eljif Elmas who was left unmarked yet again, scored the winner in the 85th minute in what was their 2nd shot on target.

“This cannot ever happen. They had two chances, twice in front of our goal, and twice they scored. It was just too easy. We dominated, had our chances but scored just once. To leave a man twice unmarked in the box should not happen.” – Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan.

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