Germany’s national team were defeated 2-1 at home in Duisburg by North Macedonia in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. It was the Germans’ first defeat in World Cup qualifying since they lost 5-1 to England in 2001.
North Macedonia took the lead through 37 year old former Inter Milan winger, Goran Pandev before in-form Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan equalised for the Germans with his 14th goal in 2021. Substitute Timo Werner had the chance to put Germany ahead following a brilliant run by Gundogan, but the Chelsea striker fluffed his lines from 6 yards out. Werner’s miss was ultimately punished in the 85th minute as North Macedonia midfielder, Eljif Elmas scored with a deflected shot.
North Macedonia, who are ranked 65th in the world, have now handed Germany their first World Cup qualifying defeat in 20 years, ending a run of 35 straight unbeaten games.
