"Nagelsmann grapples with a long-standing losing trend in history"
Germany's Struggles in World Cup Qualifiers: Nagelsmann Faces Historic Challenge
Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach of the German national football team, is currently facing a challenging period in his tenure. The team is without a win in the World Cup qualifiers, having lost the opening game to Slovakia.
This poor start to the qualifiers has raised concerns, as a potential losing streak could have historic implications for the German team. If Germany loses four consecutive games, Nagelsmann could become the first coach in the history of the German national team to have such a losing streak. More than a century ago, a German team hasn't lost four consecutive games.
The last time a German team lost four consecutive games was in 1913. Since then, the team has maintained a strong record, with Nagelsmann's predecessor experiencing a more recent and longer losing streak.
Nagelsmann's predecessor had to step down after 25 international games due to the losing streak. In contrast, Nagelsmann has not yet achieved more than three consecutive wins. The last time he managed three consecutive wins was in the Nations League group stage last autumn with wins against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands.
However, Nagelsmann had aimed to start a winning streak this year to instill a winning mentality in his team for the 2026 World Cup. He saw teams like Argentina and Spain as role models, demonstrating the importance of consistency in international football.
A win against Northern Ireland is crucial for Nagelsmann to dispel doubts about his team. If Germany loses against Northern Ireland, Nagelsmann could potentially extend his losing streak to five games without a win. The most recent instance of five games without a win in the history of the German national team occurred under Hansi Flick between March and September 2023.
The dramatic 3:3 draw against Italy in the Nations League quarter-finals in March is a significant event in Nagelsmann's tenure as the head coach of the German national team. After this draw, Nagelsmann lost to Portugal and France in the final four of the UEFA competition in June, and then to Slovakia in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Stefan Kuntz, the previous coach of the German national team, had to step down due to poor performance. Nagelsmann will be hoping to avoid a similar fate and turn the team's fortunes around in the upcoming games.
The German national team will be looking to bounce back against Northern Ireland, with the hope of starting a winning streak and securing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
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