Matchday 3 of the 2022 World Cup Qualifier produced a shocking result on the last day of March. 2014 Champion Germany lost to North Macedonia 2-1 at home in Joachim Löw's last match as head coach in the qualifier. The Mannschaft performed poorly from the very first minute of the game, and the North Macedonians were able to capitalize on this lack of form. Goran Pandev put the first goal past Ter Stegen in the 2nd minute of stoppage time during the first half. Germany wobbled through the entirety of the second half until the 63rd minute when captain Ilkay Gündogan converted a penalty from the spot. The lack of VAR in the qualifiers saved Germany once again in the 76th minute, when the ball hit Emre Can’s arm in the box. Germany’s defense was penetrated one last time in the 86th minute when Eljif Elmas put the final nail in the coffin past Ter Stegen. Germany has been very second-handed that night and has nothing to complain about.
This is Germany's first home World Cup Qualifying loss in the past two decades since losing to England 1-5. Löw commented after the match that the team was not fresh enough and they made mistakes. Although they planned out the attacks, they did not find the rhythm to look threatening. Indeed, Germany had many scoring opportunities but failed to take advantage of them, including Timo Werner’s chance right in front of the goal as the Chelsea striker put it wide. North Macedonia had three shots on goal the entire game, and they scored two times. Germany needs to find their consistency as they are now third in the qualifying group, out of the automatic qualifying position.
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