'I believe that Germany can really achieve something at the World Cup', says Schlotterbeck
Germany booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in style, with a 6-0 drubbing of Slovakia in Leipzig seeing them top Group A.
Nico Schlotterbeck is convinced that if Germany play as well as they did in their 6-0 win over Slovakia at the World Cup, then they can go far.
Germany went into Monday's game needing to avoid defeat against Slovakia, who were level on points with Julian Nagelsmann's side, in order to book their place in the 2026 tournament.
And they did so in style, with a Leroy Sane brace as well as goals from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouedraogo securing top spot in Group A.
Germany have now qualified for the World Cup for the 21st time, with only Brazil (23, including 2026) doing so on more occasions.
And Schlotterbeck, who was restored to the starting line-up after overcoming an injury, has high hopes for what Germany can achieve in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
"If we play like we did [against Slovakia], we are a very, very good team," he told ZDF.
"If the guys who are currently injured also come back, then I believe we will have a very good World Cup. The first step has been taken. The next steps will then follow at the World Cup.
"I believe that if we play a World Cup like the European Championship last time, with a little more luck, with a little more performance from us, then I believe that we can really achieve something at the World Cup."
Germany have won their last five World Cup qualifiers, their longest streak since a run of seven in September-November 2021.
They had 22 shots in their win, with 10 of those on target, as they accumulated 4.0 expected goals (xG).
Germany also had 47 touches in the opposition box to Slovakia's six, and 96 final-third entries, as they avenged their 2-0 opening day loss.
"I'm really proud of the team. We had a bumpy start to the qualifiers, and the pressure was on," Nagelsmann told ZDF.
"It was a very good game. Every player played extremely well today and worked like a maniac. We got into the game really well defensively, thanks to a huge effort.
"We also scored some great goals and were very convincing in terms of our footballing ability; the team did a really, really good job."
