FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Germany scores twice in three minutes to beat Northern Ireland 3-1

Four-time world champion Germany struggled against Northern Ireland for more than an hour before scored twice in the second half to achieve a 3-1 win in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Sunday.

With the score content on 1-1, a tap-in by replacement Nadiem Amiri in the 69th minute and a free kick by Florian Wirtz provided the first victory of Germany in group A.

It was also the first victory for the Julian Nagelsmann team in his last five games and followed his shock 2-0 loss to organize Slovakia on Thursday-the very first defeat in a world cup qualification.

«Today it was all about momentum and no further than the game today,» said Germany coach Nagelsmann. “Noord -Ireland is a very uncomfortable opponent. But the most important thing was that we started well, with a lot of energy, and took the lead.

“After the break the boys picked themselves up again and in the last 30 minutes it was the face we want to show. With a lot of strength and energy.

«We still have a lot of steps to take after Thursday and today, but I am satisfied with the victory today.»

Germany then plays Luxembourg on 10 October before he travels to Noord -Irland three days later.

The group winner automatically qualifies for next year’s World Cup, while second place goes in a play-off. Slovakia is on six points, with Noord -Ireland and Germany on three. Luxembourg is in last place without points.

Germany was under pressure to deliver for a home crowd after three consecutive defeats.

Despite the fact that he had 78% in the first half, Germany did not succeed in creating meaningful chances after Serge Gnabry had put them in the row of chair in the seventh minute, crumbled the ball over the keeper after he clearly broken.

Germany, which set the goal of winning the World Cup next year, co -organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, was more aggressive than Thursday.

Read also | Depay’s Record Double sees the Netherlands surviving fear in Lithuania

Yet the game did not turn into the Bonanza goal that fans had hoped for, with Germany Nick Woltemade Toothless to his second half replacement for Amiri.

The opponent became brutal and hit in the 34th minute with the excellent volley of Isaac Price on the distant pole from a corner, with the Germans accompanied by Jeers and Whistles from fans while they entered during the break.

They increased the pace after the hour and were rewarded when Amiri, who immediately injected energy into their game, tapped up close to put them in front again. Wirtz then curled an excellent free kick in the upper corner in the 72nd minute to bring the game to bed and brighten up the stands.

Published on September 8, 2025