"After opening their campaign with a confident 3-1 win away to Luxembourg, Northern Ireland were brought back down to earth in Germany, losing by the same scoreline. The match in Frankfurt briefly promised a shock when Isaac Price struck his 10th international goal to equalise, but two rapid-fire responses from Nadiem Amiri and Florian Wirtz turned the tide for the hosts."
"Despite the defeat, there were positives for O'Neill to take. His youthful, energetic side matched Germany for long spells, showing tactical discipline and resilience that suggest they are building something sustainable under his renewed leadership. O'Neill, who guided Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 during his first spell in charge, has steadily restored belief since returning, and Windsor Park has once again become a fortress of sorts."
Slovakia lead Group A with two wins after a shock victory over Germany, while Northern Ireland sit three points behind going into the Windsor Park clash. Northern Ireland began with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg but lost 3-1 in Germany despite Isaac Price's equaliser and spirited play. Michael O'Neill's youthful side showed tactical discipline and resilience, and Windsor Park has yielded four consecutive competitive home wins without conceding. The fixture represents a vital measure of progress, with World Cup qualification stakes high and historical context amplifying its importance given long gaps since major tournament appearances.
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