Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann is feeling optimistic about his team’s progress as they top their World Cup qualifying group, following a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday. Striker Nick Woltemade scored his first international goal to secure the victory and keep Germany at the top of Group A, ahead of Slovakia on goal difference.
With Germany on nine points, Nagelsmann is already thinking about his World Cup squad, even though the qualification process is still ongoing. “Obviously, we already have the squad ahead of the World Cup in our heads,” Nagelsmann said, adding that qualification remains the priority. “We have to see the development within the teams they play for. Fifteen or 16 players have now been together for about two years. So a certain squad structure is identifiable.”
Despite being without key players like Jamal Musiala, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Kai Havertz due to injury, Nagelsmann is pleased with the team’s progress. “We have done more than in the weeks before. We have talked with the players. We have taken steps forward as a team,” he said.
Germany’s next challenge comes in November, with an away game against Luxembourg on November 14, followed by a home match against Slovakia three days later. The top team in Group A qualifies directly for the World Cup, while the runners-up move to the playoffs.
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