The German national team suffered ignoble loss to North Macedonia the first World Cup qualifier loss for them since 2001.
Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan voiced his frustration with Wednesday’s stunning 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia, insisting that such results can’t be allowed to happen.
The visitors first led in the 45th minute just before half time, but Germany equalized the score from the spot when Sane was brought down in the 18 yard box, and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan calmly struck the net. Germany had the chance to go ahead in the 78th minute from a big chance created by the German skipper, Gundogan, he had made a low cross to Chelseas and German forward Timo Werner, who had but one job to slot it in but did so catastrophically when he barely grazed the ball, sending it off target. In similar fashion, Eljif Elmas struck an 85th-minute winner to stun the 2014 World Cup champions.
This defeat was Germany’s first in a World Cup qualifier since a 5-1 loss to England back in September 2001.
The German coached wasn’t pleased about the result, in his words: “We’re thoroughly disappointed. We simply looked too tired today. There wasn’t an energy about our play and we made too many mistakes going forward. “When we moved the ball around quickly, we looked dangerous. Our opponents sat deep and we couldn’t find a way to break them down. All in all, it was disappointing.”
German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger believed Germany could’ve lost by more, and praised the visiting side’s spirit.
Germany began this month’s World Cup qualifiers with wins against Iceland and Romania, meaning they are still in decent shape after three matches. Low’s side are tied for second place in Group J, three points behind Armenia, who have started qualifying with three wins from three.
Germany might have a difficult group at this summer’s rescheduled Euro 2020, with matches against Portugal, France and Hungary set for June, possibility that Germany may not qualify for the world cup for the first time in their history.