Germany's Long Unbeaten World Cup Qualifying Run Ends

Germany’s 35-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying — a streak dating back to 2001 — ended with a stunning 2-1 home loss to North Macedonia on Wednesday that left the team sitting third in its group after three games. It was only the country’s third ever loss in qualifying for the World Cup since since 1934, the other two coming against Portugal in 1985, when they were West Germany, and the famous 5-1 thrashing by England 20 years ago.

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Low, who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, is stepping down as coach after the European Championship. After exiting the World cup in the group stage in 2018, the Euros could cause the Germans more pain given they are in the same group as reigning champion Portugal and world champion France. In November, they lost 6-0 to Spain for their worst defeat since 1931.

The road to Qatar could be bumpy, too, for Low’s successor. In Group J, Germany have slumped to third place after three games — behind North Macedonia and 99th-ranked Armenia, who beat Romania 3-2 for a third straight win having trailed after 87 minutes in Yerevan.