It might not have been the best performance we saw from Germany this year, but it was enough to get the important win in a hostile environment. Here are four observations on the match:
Germany were not up for the first 20 minutes
But Northern Ireland
were! They had the stadium rocking and fed off of that energy. They held Germany to very few chances while they made their own. Northern Ireland even put the ball into the back of the net, but fortunately for Germany, VAR confirmed it was offsides in the buildup. The hosts were very physical and were not going to be intimidated by the Germans, but were not able to score a legal goal. This intensity was kept up throughout the whole match.
Woltemade’s goal
Woltemade was lackluster in Germany’s last match against Luxembourg. He had yet to score for the German senior team and some thought that Nagelsmann may sit him for this match. Although he did not have much of an impact in the regular run of play, he did enough to get the winning goal off the first half corner kick. He through his body at it and directed it with the back of his shoulder into the far netting. It might not have been pretty, but it was enough to see Germany take home an important three points.
Defending as a unit
The Northern Irish side had a relentless wave of pressure from the beginning of the match. Their strategy was to get the ball forward with long, high passes into Germany’s defensive third. Germany were able to keep a shutout thanks to big blocks and tackles before the ball even got to Bauman – who was still up for the three shots that made it to him and required a save. The biggest waves of pressure and defensive actions came in the last few minutes. First Bauman made a huge save, coming off his line and staying big to save a shot at close range. A few minutes later, Northern Ireland had a really good chance to shoot, but Tah came out and put it out for a corner.
These three points were massive
In a competitive group like Germany is in, they cannot afford many mistakes. Three nations came into this matchday on six points. Germany and Slovakia both moved to nine points with wins today. Although Germany has already clinched a spot in the playoffs at least, it would be nice to be able to win the group and book their ticket directly. After losing their first match in Slovakia, Germany have put themselves in a good position to win the group thanks to their goal difference, but it will go down to the final matchday next month. Even if Germany win again against Luxembourg, the group cannot mathematically be decided until the final match day.
