NI turn attention to play-off after Germany defeat

"For the second time in five weeks, Northern Ireland's players left the field against the four-time World Cup winners believing they could and perhaps should have taken something from the game. In Cologne last month, it took until after the 70th minute before the visitors tired and quick-fire goals from Nadiem Amiri and Florian Wirtz secured an unconvincing 3-1 win. Back in Belfast on Monday night, it was Northern Ireland who finished the stronger of the sides, but they could not find an equaliser during a final 25 minutes played largely in Germany's third of the pitch."

"The result ends any realistic chance of O'Neill's side topping Group A, but the performance, allied with wins in their other two matches to date, means they can have real belief that they can both make and then succeed in the play-offs. A draw in next month's seemingly crunch fixture in Slovakia followed by a win over Luxembourg, provided as O'Neill put it "Germany take care of business at home when they play Slovakia" in the final matchday, would be enough for second place."

Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Germany at Windsor Park, with Nick Woltemade's fortunate goal the decisive moment. The young side finished the stronger team and created sustained late pressure but could not find an equaliser in the final 25 minutes. The result ends any realistic chance of topping Group A, yet recent victories, including a 2-0 win over Slovakia, have built momentum and belief. A draw in Slovakia and a win over Luxembourg, combined with a Germany result, would secure second place. Alternatively, a Nations League backdoor place could still offer a play-off route, though possibly against a tougher opponent away.

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