Germany 'send message' with big win

GERMANY captain Joshua Kimmich said his side “wanted to send a message” with Monday's 6-0 thumping of Slovakia in Leipzig which sealed their progress to the 2026 World Cup.

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Leroy Sane struck twice and Nick Woltemade scored for the third straight game for Germany.

The win put Germany through at the top of Group A and into next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Slovakia finished second and will go into a playoff.

“Everyone wanted to send a message today. Everyone knew what was at stake,” Kimmich told Germany's ZDF.

“In Germany, we're not used to it being difficult to qualify - that's why I'm very happy with how we played.”

Germany have laboured past underdog opponents in this campaign but were 4-0 up at halftime and humming in Leipzig.

Woltemade continued his golden run with the opening goal after 18 minutes. Serge Gnabry added the second 11 minutes later.

Under pressure, Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz sparked to life late in the first half, laying on two goals for Sane in five minutes.