Gnabry scores as Germany edge Northern Ireland, Tah benched | OneFootball

It was a hard-fought battle, but in the end, an immensely important 3-1 victory stood for the German national team in World Cup qualification. Against Northern Ireland, Julian Nagelsmann’s team did not impress for the full 90 minutes, but after the defeat in Slovakia, the result was more important than the style of play. The Bayern professionals were also in the spotlight—with very mixed impressions.

Kimmich Still Lacking Impact

Photo: IMAGO

Julian Nagelsmann changed his starting eleven compared to the 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in five positions. Joshua Kimmich was allowed to start again, but the Munich player was once again unable to make an impact. Instead of acting as a playmaker, the 30-year-old remained inconspicuous and limited himself to safe lateral passes. His once-feared chip balls into the depths, with which he could tear open defensive lines, are currently hardly to be seen. Kimmich appears disoriented in his role in the DFB team—a problem Nagelsmann must solve quickly.

Gnabry Scores and Blunders

Serge Gnabry had a mixed evening. At first, he shone when he scored the early German lead after a quick advance. Robust in challenges and determined in his finish, he presented himself in this scene as a difference-maker. But his mistake before the break was costly: Gnabry let Isaac Price run unchallenged, and the Northern Irishman took the chance coldly to equalize. After his good start, the Munich player faded more and more until he was substituted after an hour.

Substitutes Without Impact: Goretzka and Tah

Photo: IMAGO

Leon Goretzka came into the match in the 66th minute but was unable to provide any decisive impetus. Although he pushed forward energetically several times, he remained without any compelling actions. Jonathan Tah had to wait a long time and was only brought on shortly before the end. He too had no notable influence.

Germany secured a mandatory win in Cologne, but once again, there was little sign of dominance in play. Nagelsmann must especially find the right balance in midfield, where Kimmich has so far failed to take on the expected leadership role. For Serge Gnabry, at least the goal remains, even if his lapse was costly. For the Bayern contingent in the DFB team after the Northern Ireland match: it was an evening of missed opportunities, despite a clear result in the end.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.