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An 85-minute winner by Eljif Elmas ended a 35-game unbeaten streak that the four-time World Cup champions had accumulated, including victories in their previous 18 qualifiers.
The last time Germany lost at home in a World Cup qualifying match was twenty years ago, in England’s 5-1 win in 2001.
Although the home team dominated with 70% possession in the first half, Goran Pandev put the Balkan country ahead during injury time before half-time.
Fit, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan converted a penalty to equalize the game in the 63rd minute after former teammate Leroy Sane was fouled in the box.
Shortly before Elmas claimed North Macedonia’s spectacular goal, sparking jubilant scenes at Duisburg’s Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Chelsea striker Timo Werner missed a golden opportunity to put the Germans ahead. after a Gundogan center.
“We have never beaten a team with so many titles. Now, we have to rest a bit because what we have achieved has not yet been assimilated.”
Germany’s defeat was Joachim Loew’s first as a coach in qualifying for the World Cup, and he comes in what will be his last qualifier in charge of the team, before he resigns after this summer’s European Championship.
“Overall it was disappointing to lose like this at home.”
