Gutsy Northern Ireland performance not quite enough
Germany 3 - 1 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland produced a determined display but could not prevent Germany from claiming a first win in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Author | Ed
Stadium | RheinEnergieSTADION
The under-pressure hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute through Serge Gnabry, but on a tense night in Cologne, Isaac Price's volley 11 minutes before half-time brought Northern Ireland back on level terms against Julian Nagelsmann's side.
Northern Ireland held firm until the 69th minute, when Nadiem Amiri took advantage of a rare lapse at the back before a curling free-kick from Liverpool's Florian Wirtz made it 3-1.
Closer analysis of what happened
Coming off three successive defeats, including Thursday's 2-0 loss in Slovakia to begin their Group A campaign, Germany could hardly have hoped for a stronger start.
A heavy touch from centre-back Eoin Toal allowed Newcastle United's new signing Nick Woltemade to nip in and steal the ball, setting Gnabry through on goal. Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, earning his 50th Northern Ireland cap, had no chance against the Bayern Munich striker's composed finish.
The visitors took time to adapt to Germany's direct attacking style, with Gnabry and Jamie Leweling both nearly breaking through from early balls forward.
Paddy McNair had to react quickly to block Woltemade, who then created Northern Ireland's first chance when he headed over from a corner on the half-hour mark.
From another corner four minutes later, Price was left unmarked six yards out and powered Justin Devenny's delivery into the roof of the net.
David Raum had a goal disallowed for offside before the break, but Northern Ireland ended the first half on the front foot, with Shea Charles growing increasingly influential.
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As German pressure intensified, Leweling's rising effort just before the hour was their first meaningful attempt in the second half.
Seemingly rejuvenated, Germany forced Peacock-Farrell into a quick double-save before Waldemar Anton headed over from a corner.
The visiting keeper then produced a brilliant instinctive stop from Wirtz, but with 22 minutes remaining, he misjudged a hopeful long ball, allowing substitute Amiri to nip in and slot home into an empty net.
Three minutes later, Wirtz curled a superb free-kick to secure the victory for Germany.
