The Collapse That Set Off Alarms

Germany’s debut on the road to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada was a disaster. The 2-0 loss to Slovakia exposed the shortcomings of a team still searching for its identity.

Beyond the scoreline, the real concern was the defensive fragility. Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rüdiger was singled out for his role in both goals, drawing immediate criticism from the press and fans alike.

This debacle adds to the bitter memories of the last two World Cups, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage, first in Russia and later in Qatar. The question returns to the spotlight: are the Germans still an elite national team?

Rüdiger’s Speech in the Locker Room

After the match, the tension inside the locker room was palpable. According to teammate Maximilian Mittelstädt, it was Rüdiger himself who spoke up. “There’s not much to say, we all know it wasn’t a good performance,” the defender admitted.

The center-back didn’t look for excuses and took responsibility for what happened, something valued within the group. His goal was to lift spirits and remind everyone that the team is capable of bouncing back, even if confidence is badly shaken.

The coach also tried to calm things down with a message of unity, but the overall feeling is that Germany is enduring one of its deepest sporting crises in decades.

A Giant in Doubt

The defeat to Slovakia is not just a stumble; it’s a reflection of Germany’s fragility in recent years. The shirt carries weight, history demands respect, but the present is clouded with uncertainty.

The challenge for Rüdiger and company will be to prove they can still compete with the world’s best. Because if this shaky start has made one thing clear, it’s that Germany no longer inspires the same fear it once did.