Free-scoring Woltemade hopes for World Cup spot

Nick Woltemade said that he hoped to have done enough to book his 2026 World Cup place after scoring again in Germany’s 6-0 win over Slovakia in Leipzig on Nov 17.

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Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade has netted four goals in his past three Germany games.

(PHOTO: EPA)

“We're relieved. It’s a great moment,” the Newcastle United striker said after the Germans secured qualification to the tournament in North America next summer.

“I’m playing, I'm scoring goals and I’m hopefully playing at the World Cup.”

He opened the scoring, with Leroy Sane bagging a brace and Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo all getting on the score sheet.

Woltemade, 23, has four goals in his past three Germany games.

Starting his career at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, he made his international debut in June at the Uefa Nations League.

With Germany missing several attackers including Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Tim Kleindienst and Niclas Fullkrug, Woltemade has made himself indispensible to coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“I find it hard to explain — it’s always great to be able to play for Germany,” he told ZDF. “I went through all the youth teams and now I’m with the senior team.”