Germany secured a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in a crucial Group A World Cup qualifier, overcoming a spirited performance from the visitors despite a stunning equaliser from Isaac Price. The win eased pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who faced criticism following Germany's previous defeat to Slovakia.
Northern Ireland's young side, led by Price's 10th international goal, caused significant problems for Germany, particularly in the first half, but were ultimately undone by a quick-fire double from substitutes Nadiem Amiri and Florian Wirtz.
Germany started strongly at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne, with an early goal from Serge Gnabry in the 7th minute after a quick break following a turnover by Eoin Toal. Northern Ireland responded with a powerful equaliser in the 34th minute when Isaac Price volleyed home a corner from Justin Devenny, a goal that showcased his growing impact at the international level.
The home side looked nervous after the goal, and the half-time whistle was met with boos from the frustrated German crowd.
The second half saw a shift in momentum after Nagelsmann's early substitutions, bringing on Maximilian Beier and Nadiem Amiri Amiri scored the second goal in the 69th minute after a long ball from David Raum confused Northern Ireland's goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was left stranded as Beier's run drew the attention of both Peacock-Farrell and Eoin Toal.
Just four minutes later, Wirtz sealed the win with a stunning free-kick from outside the box, a strike that sailed over the wall and into the top corner, putting the game out of reach Wirtz, who recently joined Liverpool, celebrated the goal with visible emotion, acknowledging the importance of the win for the team's morale.
In a separate Group A match, Slovakia secured a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg, with Tomas Rigo scoring in the 90th minute to keep Slovakia at the top of the group.
Meanwhile, Spain maintained their perfect start to qualifying with a dominant 6-0 win over Turkey, thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenal's Mikel Merino.
In other recent matches:
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored as Georgia beat Bulgaria 3-0 in Tbilisi to revive their qualification hopes
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored as Georgia beat Bulgaria 3-0 in Tbilisi to revive their qualification hopes.
Further goals from Luka Gagnidze and Georges Mikautadze ensured Willy Sagnol’s side put behind them Thursday’s defeat at home to Turkey to climb to second in Group E.
The Netherlands survived a scare in Kaunas after Lithuania fought back from 2-0 down late in the first half before Ronald Koeman’s side eventually triumphed 3-2.
Memphis Depay had become his country’s all-time leading scorer with the opening goal before Quinten Timber doubled the lead, but the home side stunned the visitors with goals from Edvinas Girdvainis and Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis.
At that stage the Netherlands were set to drop to second in Group G before Depay capped a memorable night for him personally with a 63rd-minute winner.
Poland sit just behind the group leaders after Matt Cash scored his second goal in two games to help his team to a 3-1 win at home to Finland, Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Kaminski also scoring to seal the victory. Benjamin Kallman scored Finland’s late consolation.
Kevin De Bruyne scored twice as Belgium thumped Kazakhstan 6-0 to climb above Wales in Group J, with his former Manchester City team-mate Jeremy Doku also chipping in with a brace.
Nicolas Raskin and Thomas Meunier added goals to ensure their side maintained their strong position with a game in hand.
Craig Bellamy’s side are now third in the group after North Macedonia’s 5-0 win over Lichtenstein sent them top.
UEFA World Cup qualifying runs from March 2025; the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026; the tournament will be held across 16 cities in three North American countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
