RATINGS | Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany: Visitors take crucial step towards World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Germany travelled to Belfast to face Northern Ireland in what could turn out to be a crucial game in both countries’ efforts to make it to next summer’s World Cup. The game had an added edge to it after the rather public clash between Julian Nagelsmann and Michael O’Neill.

After a dominant first 15 minutes from Nagelsmann’s team, the roof came off Windsor Park as Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard bundled the ball into Oliver Baumann’s net after a goal mouth scramble. Unfortunately for the home side, however, Paddy McNair strayed offside in the buildup.

Germany then took the lead on the half-hour mark after a pinpoint corner from David Raum picked out Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade, who somewhat fortuitously shouldered the ball into the net.

Moments after the restart Karim Adeyemi squandered a golden chance to double Germany’s lead. Released by Florian Wirtz, he guided his shot narrowly wide of Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s post.

For the rest of the second half, Northern Ireland were simply dominant and can consider themselves a bit unlucky to come away with nothing from this game. Germany and Nagelsmann will be relieved to have escaped with the win.

Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany Player Ratings

Oliver Baumann (6) – Joshua Kimmich (5), Jonathan Tah (5), Nico Schlotterbeck (5), David Raum (6) – Aleksander Pavlovic (5), Leon Goretzka (6), Karim Adeyemi (5), Florian Wirtz (6), Serge Gnabry (5) – Nick Woltemade (6)

Others: Maximilian Beier (6), Waldemar Anton (-), Robert Andrich (-), Jonathan Burkardt (-), Ridle Baku (-)

GGFN Player of the Match: Oliver Baumann (6)

In a game where not one Germany player stood out with a great performance, Oliver Baumann made a couple of crucial saves to deny the home team throughout the second half. His efforts secured three points that could prove critical in Germany’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

GGFN | Harry Good