Tehelné pole, Bratislava
4 September 2025
The floodlights illuminated Tehelné pole long before the players emerged from the tunnel, their white glow reflecting off nearly twenty thousand expectant supporters packed into Slovakia's national stadium. Red, white and blue flags rippled across one end, while the small pocket of travelling German fans answered with black, red and gold, their chants echoing through the cool Bratislava evening. The atmosphere wasn't hostile, but it was intense. This was the opening match of the World Cup qualifying campaign, and Slovakia believed they could make a statement against one of Europe's giants.
Inside the tunnel, Lukas adjusted the tape around his left wrist one final time before looking up at the giant electronic board displaying the team sheets. It was only his second senior appearance for Germany, but this time there would be no bench.
The television commentator's voice carried across the stadium.
