It was never going to be simple for Slovakia to replicate the outstanding 2-0 win over Germany that opened their WC qualification campaign, but they could take comfort in the fact that a play-off spot at the very least was already secured.
That was just as well too, as Germany were visibly determined not to leave progression to a 21st tournament in as many qualification attempts to chance, and opened the scoring when an unmarked Nick Woltemade confidently headed Joshua Kimmich’s cross past Martin Dubravka in the 18th minute.
The Slovak stopper then did well to keep out Serge Gnabry one-on-one, but the Bayern winger got his own back moments later by poking in at the end of a clever through ball from Leon Goretzka.
However, the hosts were not content with a mere 2-0 lead, and put the result beyond all doubt before half-time by netting twice more.
Determined to repay Julian Nagelsmann after being called up for the first time in this qualification cycle, Sane placed an effort past Dubravka when played through, before Florian Wirtz brilliantly won the ball and dropped a deft cross to the back post, where Sane was again there to smash in just five minutes later.
The second half began with Sane being denied a first career hat-trick as his shot following an indirect free-kick deflected out off Ivan Schranz.
Germany began to lull, but they were reinvigorated by substitutions, and one of them got their fifth as Ridle Baku received the ball off Gnabry and fired inside the near post for his first international strike in just over four years.
Assan Ouédraogo then did the same less than two minutes into his senior international debut, sweeping in Sane’s lay-off to equal Slovakia’s largest-ever margin of defeat.
Slovakia were at least able to make sure that record was not broken outright on the night, but it was still a performance they will need to shake off quickly before the upcoming play-offs if they are to make just a second World Cup finals appearance since becoming an independent nation.
Germany, meanwhile, can book their flights to North America next summer, where they will look to lift football’s ultimate prize for a record-equalling fifth time.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Florian Wirtz (Germany)
Click here for more on the match
