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."
Veuemst
0
I like the new colors bring him back the memories 1974 of course I was not born yet and 1990 I was very young back then I see through the history 1990 was only 3 years old but my memory failing in love with Germany national team was a little bit in 1998 world cup and then 2002 that's where I became more strong support of Germany but 2006 that is where I enjoyed watching Germany play football properly and then of course 2014 I witnessed Germany winning the world cup demolishing Argentina in the semifinal beating Brazil in the final that memory will stay with me forever just like at the numbers 1954 1974 1990 2014 world champions four times much more can I say you make me proud Germany but before that 2014 it it was 2012 where I enjoyed my beloved club Chelsea win the champions League for the first time alhamdulillah only Allah knows what is next for the future for my national team there support and for my beloved club
πππ Might have those games reversed my friend πππ
TheMadristasince1992
0
I like the new colors bring him back the memories 1974 of course I was not born yet and 1990 I was very young back then I see through the history 1990 was only 3 years old but my memory failing in love with Germany national team was a little bit in 1998 world cup and then 2002 that's where I became more strong support of Germany but 2006 that is where I enjoyed watching Germany play football properly and then of course 2014 I witnessed Germany winning the world cup demolishing Argentina in the semifinal beating Brazil in the final that memory will stay with me forever just like at the numbers 1954 1974 1990 2014 world champions four times much more can I say you make me proud Germany but before that 2014 it it was 2012 where I enjoyed my beloved club Chelsea win the champions League for the first time alhamdulillah only Allah knows what is next for the future for my national team there support and for my beloved club
How, when and where Germany Demolished Argentina in semi final and beat Brazil in world cup final in 2014 world cup??π€π³π Hence proved, You are number 1, biggest/huge, Diehard Germany fan.ππ€ππ€ππ€£ππ€£ππ€£ππ€
TheMadristasince1992
0
How when and where did Germany beat Brazil in final at 2014 world cup?π€π and demolished Argentina in semi final in 2014??π€π€ππ³ Hence proved, you are biggest diehard Germany fan.πππππππ€£π€£π€£π€£π€£
vuaabdipu
0
Nico I dream about you joining FC Barcelona or Man City
Lipdekrz
0
When ball bonce rules change in football
Lipdekrz
0
who could believe Ireland could beat Portugal
Lipdekrz
0
the ball game changed now not like before and no more easy ride
Lipdekrz
0
you are only saying it because you were put in easy group but wait to see when you put in hard group
Yawadmnruy
1
Achieve at least a point in their quest to group stage exit
sujalpkl4
0
Germanyy will show what is germany in wc
nuscdmopuy
0
Germany, England, Netherlands, Portugal, are all time wasters. Their use is just to eliminate smaller teams and then later be kicked out in the group stage.
nuscdmopuy
1
Germany is also another team that will be kicked out in the group stage. Their performance is pathetic
yusabcekt
0
no hope don't over think nothing happens Germany playing easy group wait and see π
Jumachelsea
0
I like the new colors bring him back the memories 1974 of course I was not born yet and 1990 I was very young back then I see through the history 1990 was only 3 years old but my memory failing in love with Germany national team was a little bit in 1998 world cup and then 2002 that's where I became more strong support of Germany but 2006 that is where I enjoyed watching Germany play football properly and then of course 2014 I witnessed Germany winning the world cup demolishing Argentina in the semifinal beating Brazil in the final that memory will stay with me forever just like at the numbers 1954 1974 1990 2014 world champions four times much more can I say you make me proud Germany but before that 2014 it it was 2012 where I enjoyed my beloved club Chelsea win the champions League for the first time alhamdulillah only Allah knows what is next for the future for my national team there support and for my beloved club
Jumachelsea
1
now this is the Germany that I used to know playing attacking football the German machine way