Julian Nagelsmann and the German national team closed out the September international break with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Cologne that they so desperately needed just a few days removed from their 2-0 defeat at Slovakia in Bratislava. When Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry opened the scoring in the 7th minute, it looked like Germany was going to go on to maintain a level of dominance and control throughout proceedings, but Isaac Price’s goal in the 34th minute for the visitors proved that not
to be the case at all.
Second half changes and tactical tweaks from Nagelsmann helped Germany provide a level of spark and control going forward that wasn’t as evident in the first half and it’s no surprise that Die Mannshcaft ended the match having had 80% of possession. All of Nadiem Amiri, Maximilian Beier, Leon Goretzka, and Jonathan Tah were introduced in the second half — the first three within minutes 61 and 66. It was Amiri that scored Germany’s second goal, which caused Northern Ireland to become far more open as they tried to find another equalizer and Florian Wirtz eventually sealed the deal with his beautifully-taken free kick in the 72nd minute.
Speaking after the match, Nagelsmann made a point of emphasizing the production he was able to get from his bench as well as highlighting the performance of VfB Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling, who started from the bench in the loss to Slovakia and never came on. “I’m happy for Jamie [Leweling]. He had a great game. Not everything worked out perfectly but he did many good things. The subs changed the game. Nadiem did really well. Maxi [Beier] brought pace and runs in behind the centre-backs. Leon also did much better than Thursday. The body language was much better. Jona [Tah] also had a good 10-minute cameo, which is not easy for a defender against an opponent that plays a lot of long balls. We know there are still steps to be made but I’m happy with today,” the former Bayern, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager explained (@iMiaSanMia).
For Nagelsmann, while the win over Northern Ireland still wasn’t perfect, it was a step in the right direction for Germany and it takes a little bit of heat off of the manager. The group A standings would have been a bit more interesting had it not been for Slovakia’s stoppage time winner against Luxembourg in their second qualifier of the international break, but as things stand, Germany are in third place in the group behind Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Six points from next month’s international break is a must for Nagelsmann and Germany.
Wow…Germany was on the ropes vs. Northern Ireland, but a strong second half effort helped Julian Nagelsmann’s team pull away for a 3-1 victory.
It was ugly at times and desperate at others, but this was somehow a must win match for a squad that was absolutely reeling after getting stomped out by Slovakia earlier in the week. The Germans absolutely needed this victory and it could have been disastrous had things not turned around in the latter stages of the game.
Let’s get into it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
