Sinsheim: Germany recovered from a loss in Slovakia with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A on Sunday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, coach Julian Nagelsmann made five changes to his starting lineup and the reshuffle produced an early goal when Serge Gnabry scored in the seventh minute after a pass from Nick Woltemade that he lifted over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Germany had further chances through Woltemade and David Raum that were not converted.
Northern Ireland equalized in the 34th minute when Isaac Price volleyed in a corner from Justin Devenny. Germany struggled after the equalizer and the teams were level at halftime to a chorus of whistles from fans.
In the second half Peacock-Farrell denied Pascal Gross and Raum. Nagelsmann made substitutions that shifted the match. Nadiem Amiri, introduced on the hour, tapped into an empty net in the 69th minute for his first international goal. Three minutes later Florian Wirtz curled a free kick into the top corner
to secure Germany’s win. Northern Ireland pushed forward late but did not produce a serious chance.
The result ended Germany’s four-game winless run. Germany will host Luxembourg in Sinsheim on October 10. Northern Ireland will face Slovakia in Belfast.
Nagelsmann said: “We actually started the game quite well and took a deserved lead. Conceding the equalizer unsettled us a bit, the mood was down. In the last 30 minutes you could see our true face again, before that it was pretty shaky.”
Details of match events:
– Opening goal: Serge Gnabry, 7th minute, assisted by Nick Woltemade; finish over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
– Missed chances: Nick Woltemade, David Raum had attempts in first half.
– Equalizer: Isaac Price, 34th minute, volley from a Justin Devenny corner.
– Second-half saves: Bailey Peacock-Farrell denied Pascal Gross and David Raum early in the half.
– Go-ahead goal: Nadiem Amiri, 69th minute, tapped into empty net after being introduced on the hour; noted as his first international
goal.
– Sealing goal: Florian Wirtz, 72nd minute, free kick curled into top corner.
– Match outcome: Germany 3, Northern Ireland 1; end of Germany’s four-game winless run.
– Next fixtures: Germany vs Luxembourg in Sinsheim on October 10; Northern Ireland vs Slovakia in Belfast.