Four-time world champions Germany suffered a shock defeat at the hands of North Macedonia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Veteran Goran Pandev put North Macedonia in the lead and Eljif Elmas’ 85th minute goal gave the visitors a huge victory over Die Mannschaft in Duisburg.
Ilkay Gundogan equalised from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Leroy Sane was fouled in the box but it was in vain as the away side found a winner late on to stun the Germans in Group J of the 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers.
To understand what a big upset this is, North Macedonia are ranked 65th in the world whereas Germany are one of the powerhouses in international football.
Chelsea’s Timo Werner has lost his shooting boots ever since his transfer from RB Leipzig to Chelsea and it was no different for Die Mannschaft as he missed an absolute sitter.
Ilkay Gundogan continued his red-hot form even though Germany lost (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Joachim Loew’s side failed to make it through the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and had an extremely disappointing UEFA Nations League.
The team’s performances have deteriorated significantly and the World Cup-winning coach has already announced that the European Championship this year will be his last at the helm of his country.
This result just adds to German woes as they are now equal on points with North Macedonia after 3 games, on 6 points but sit in 3rd place before of a lower goal difference. Armenia currently top the group with 3 wins out of 3.
There are testing times ahead for Germany who will not find it easy if they lose any more games in the qualifiers from Group J that features some tricky opponents.
It was not only a first defeat for Germany in these qualifiers but also the first goals they had conceded in qualifying.
The loss also ended their 35-game unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying, stretching back to a 5-1 defeat by England all the way back in 2001.
“This is bitterly disappointing,” German coach Low said.
“We were not fresh enough, we made mistakes. When we played quickly we were dangerous but we did not find the tools to be really threatening.
“Overall, it was disappointing to lose like that at home.”
North Macedonia were absolutely ecstatic with the result and how could they not be.
“These lads have made North Macedonia proud against the winners of four World Cup titles and three European championships,” North Macedonia coach Igor Angelovski said.
“We’ve never beaten a team with so many titles. Now we have to get some rest as what we have accomplished still hasn’t sunk in.”
