Germany arrived in Köln looking to break a three-game winless streak, and for a moment, it seemed they would easily. Serge Gnabry’s dinked finish put Die Mannschaft up 1-0 in the seventh minute, but a poor piece of marking from Gnabry himself allowed Isaac Price to equalize for Northern Ireland just before the half. The Northern Irish, who haven’t qualified for a World Cup in 40 years, were making the Germans deeply uncomfortable until a wave of super-subs injected the energy and directness Julian
Nagelsmann’s side had been lacking for the first hour.
Jersey Swap: Isaac Price
Isaac Price, with a volley from Justin Devenny’s curling corner, served up a painful reminder of what Germany lacks: a striker who finishes his chances.
A constant menace, Price continuously threatened to break on the counter-attack to add to Germany’s defensive woes.
Besides scoring Northern Ireland’s only goal of the game, Price put in a clean passing display and spearheaded his side’s defensive effort. All of which make him worthy of the Jersey Swap.
Der Kaiser: Waldemar Anton
Once again, Germany’s defense did not look particularly impressive, especially against a team of Northern Ireland’s caliber. However, Waldemar Anton proved to be a reliable presence in the middle of Nagelsmann’s back three, particularly in the air. He used his height to consistently snuff out counter-attacking attempts and almost headed home a goal himself, only to be denied by the crossbar.
Fußballgott: Pascal Groß
Despite being subbed off in the 66th minute for Leon Goretzka, Groß hardly put a foot wrong in the heart of Germany’s midfield. The veteran midfielder was a passing metronome, completing a phenomenal 95 percent of his 135 attempts. At 34, he also proved to be an unwavering defensive force, putting in a combative effort both on the ground and in the air.
Der Bomber: Nadiem Amiri
Nadiem Amiri served as a reminder of how the right substitutions can turn the tide of a game. In the context of Germany’s 3-1 victory against Northern Ireland, it won them the game.
Amiri and Maximilian Beier’s introduction in the 61st minute brought energy and life into a German attack that had grown stagnant over the course of the game. The Mainz 05 man found himself in the perfect position to fire into an open goal after David Raum’s teasing cross left Bailey Peacock-Farrell in no man’s land. Amiri also went on to draw the foul that led to Florian Wirtz’s stunning free kick.
Meister of the Match: David Raum
While the super-subs stole the show, it was David Raum who performed at a high level throughout the game, proving the value of consistent output.
The left wing-back deserves his praise mostly for his efforts going forward. His in-swinging crosses from the left-hand flank caused Northern Ireland defensive headaches, ultimately leading to the the goal that would turn the momentum in favor of the Germans. Raum almost bagged himself a goal to add to his assist had it not been for a marginal offside call.
After a strong performances from Raum and Maximilian Mittelstädt, Nagelsmann will either be having headaches trying to decide who should start or be extremely grateful to have two solid left-wing-back options.
