Germany claimed their first win in World Cup qualification, thanks in no small part to Serge Gnabry’s early opener (7’). Three days after the 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, Germany beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Cologne on Sunday evening. Besides Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich was a starter for head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team. Leon Goretzka (66’) and Jonathan Tah (82’) came on in the second half.
Germany struggle despite good start
Despite the good start, Germany struggled for a long time against the underdogs. Isaac Price (34’) levelled the scores after the half-hour mark and the home side’s impetus ebbed away. Only sub Nadiem Amiri’s goal midway through the second half (69’) restored the lead before Florian Wirtz scored from a free-kick (72’).
“It was important to get off to a good start, with good energy. We deservedly took the lead,” said Nagelsmann: “We were a bit insecure after the equaliser.” Three points from two matches mean Germany are in third place in their group. They will take on Luxembourg before the return match against Northern Ireland in Belfast in October.
A number of FC Bayern pros were on national team duty on Saturday:
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