"It was the first time Germany had ever lost their opening World Cup qualifier of a cycle, while it was the first time they had failed to score in such a match since 2001. However, Julian Nagelsmann's team made some form of amends on Sunday, with Wirtz's excellent set-piece the highlight of their goals. The Liverpool playmaker curled a superb effort up and over the Northern Ireland wall in the 72nd minute in Cologne."
"Serge Gnabry had put Germany ahead in the seventh minute, dinking home after he was played through by Nick Woltemade, though Isaac Price restored parity before half-time. Yet Germany, who generated 2.81 expected goals (xG) to Northern Ireland's 0.28, made their dominance count when David Raum squared for substitute Nadiem Amiri to slot into a gaping net in the 69th minute. Wirtz's free-kick put the gloss on a much-improved display, with Germany third in qualifying Group A, level on points with Northern Ireland."
Germany recovered from a 2-0 opening World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia by beating Northern Ireland 3-1 in Cologne. Serge Gnabry opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a through pass by Nick Woltemade, and Isaac Price equalised before half-time. David Raum assisted substitute Nadiem Amiri to restore Germany's lead in the 69th minute, and Florian Wirtz curled a superb free-kick over the wall in the 72nd minute to seal the victory. Germany produced 2.81 expected goals (xG) to Northern Ireland's 0.28 and now sit third in Group A, level on points with Northern Ireland.
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