Is Germany Facing a Striker Crisis Before the Clash with Northern Ireland?
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Synopsis
As the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland approaches, Germany's depth is being tested due to a striking shortage. With key players sidelined, can coach Julian Nagelsmann find the right formula to navigate this challenge? Explore the implications of this striker dilemma on Germany's World Cup ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Germany faces a striker crisis ahead of their World Cup qualifier.
- Key players are injured, challenging the team's depth.
- Young talents like Woltemade and Burkardt are yet to score for the national team.
- Coach Nagelsmann remains optimistic despite the challenges.
- The team's historical legacy of strikers is at stake.
Berlin (Germany), Oct 12 (NationPress) As the 2026 World Cup qualifier approaches against Northern Ireland on Monday, Germany grapples with a significant striker shortage that challenges the depth of the 2014 FIFA World Cup champions. With players like Nick Woltemade from Newcastle, Jonathan Burkardt from Frankfurt, and Maximilian Beier from Dortmund still seeking their first goals for the national team, a series of injuries has left coach Julian Nagelsmann with limited options.
"We don't always have a top squad at our disposal," commented the German coach, as key players like Niclas Fullkrug, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Tim Kleindienst, and Deniz Undav are unavailable for the upcoming match in Belfast.
Of the 51 goals scored by Germany during Nagelsmann's 25 matches, 28 came from the absent forwards. The recent victory over Luxembourg highlighted this issue, with three goals netted from set pieces, signaling a decline in Germany's once-dominant striker legacy. All goals in that match were scored by defenders, as reported by Xinhua.
Kleindienst was the last recognized striker to score for Germany, achieving this feat in a 3-3 draw against Italy back in March 2025.
Germany, formerly renowned for its prolific strikers—such as Miroslav Klose, Rudi Voller, Jurgen Klinsmann, Gerd Muller, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge—is currently enduring a rare goal drought.
Woltemade has been impressive for Newcastle, netting four goals in six matches, yet he remains without an international goal in five appearances. Similarly, Burkardt (three) and Beier (four) have been productive at their clubs but have yet to find the net for the national team.
Newspaper Welt pointed out, "Germany is meeting its limits," while tabloid Bild described the situation as a dire shortage of a "goal puncher."
Nagelsmann's hopes now rest on available talents like Serge Gnabry, the only forward currently in form, along with Kevin Schade from Brentford and Karim Adeyemi from Dortmund, alongside Woltemade, Burkardt, and Beier.
Despite scoring a free-kick goal against Northern Ireland in September, Florian Wirtz from Liverpool is struggling to regain his form following his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
Nagelsmann has urged patience for both Wirtz and Woltemade, expressing confidence in their potential to score soon. Lothar Matthaus, Germany's record international, remarked, "he is not Messi, he is not Ronaldo, he is a 23-year-old Woltemade, still a young player without extensive experience."
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also expressed his faith in Wirtz, stating that he possesses "exceptional quality, which will soon be evident in all his games for the Reds."
As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, Nagelsmann remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing his reliance on the entire squad's goal hunger.
Point of View
It is imperative for Germany to address their striker shortage effectively. The team has a rich history of footballing excellence, and this situation serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise even for the most successful teams. A strategic approach to nurturing young talents while managing the current squad is essential for Germany's future success.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key players missing for Germany?
Key players unavailable for Germany include Niclas Fullkrug, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Tim Kleindienst, and Deniz Undav.
What is the significance of the upcoming match against Northern Ireland?
The match is crucial as it is part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Germany aims to secure their place in the tournament.
How has Germany performed under coach Julian Nagelsmann?
Under Nagelsmann, Germany has scored 51 goals in 25 games, with a notable dependency on forwards who are currently unavailable.
What are the implications of the striker shortage for Germany's World Cup chances?
The striker shortage could significantly impact Germany's ability to score goals and compete effectively in the World Cup qualifiers.
Who is expected to step up in the absence of key forwards?
Players like Serge Gnabry, Kevin Schade, and Karim Adeyemi are expected to take on more responsibility in the attack.
