Germany bounce back with 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland | OneFootball

Germany had to deliver after the disappointing loss against Slovakia during the week - and that's what they did tonight against Northern Ireand.

The second game on the way to the 2026 World Cup was a success for Germany: they were able to defeat Northern Ireland 3-1.

Serge Gnabry, doubted by many before the start of the match, gave Germany the early lead in the 7th minute: a long ball from Northern Ireland's goalkeeper came back to him quicker than expected, thanks to Nick Woltemade who held up the rebound ball and then sent Gnabry on his way towards the goal. Bayern's forward did well in getting past the defender before chipping the keeper in smooth fashion - 1-0 to Julian Nagelsmann's team.

Germany's return to three centre-backs was seemingly a good decision, as they were more compact and acted more as a unit. Antonio Rüdiger was not completely flawless however, and got booked in the 26th minute. Julian Nagelsmann did well to learn from their mistakes against Slovakia, but started to get more nervous again after 30 minutes.

That's when Northern Ireland sensed an opportunity to strike - and that's exactly what they did. Another mistake from Rüdiger led to a corner, which the team from Michael O'Neill converted into a goal. The ball flew to the far corner where Isaac Price was left alone and he hit the ball perfectly for it to fly directly between Baumann's head and the crossbar - 1-1 after 34 minutes.

The Germans did control the game for the most parts, meaning that Nagelsmann's overall plan was the right one - but the first half showed that one mistake in the back can be enough for your team to give the win away. Half-time score: 1-1.

With no changes made at half-time, Germany continued to dominate the game - at least when it comes to ball posession. Nagelsmann team did not seem fired up at all and they had problems entering the final third.

After 60 minutes, Amiri and Beier came on for Woltemade and Gnabry - these changes would turn out to be the key to success for Germany.

Mainz's playmaker Nadiem Amiri especially was instantly involved in many good attacks and was the breath of fresh air Germany needed in that phase of the game. Therefore it's also no surprise, that he was the one to get his team back in front!

A long ball from Raum, who himself was very active in this phase of the game, was unreachable for Beier, but his run lured out Northern Ireland's goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell - and when Amiri got on the ball he only had the empty goal in front of him - 2-1 to Germany after 69 minutes.

The hosts were on a roll, and Northern Ireland had no answer at that moment. Wirtz curled a free kick from 22 meters out on the left over the wall and into the net. It's a truly magnificent goal, and Peacock-Farrell's dive is in vain - 3-1 after 72 minutes.

The German fans were far more happy with that performance now and Amiri, Leweling and Raum have given their country some joy back after some difficult moments in this game and against Slovakia.

Germany's third goal pulled the plug in this game: Germany were happy with the result and Northern Ireland could not come back to make this game interesting again. Full-time: Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland.