Germany won a tight 1‑0 away match against Northern Ireland on Sunday, keeping its drive toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive. The only goal came in the 31st minute from a header by Nick Woltemade, giving him his first international score and the top‑spot finish for Germany in Group A.
The German side, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, played the same starting lineup that had produced a 4‑0 win over Luxembourg. In contrast, Northern Ireland’s manager Michael O’Neill had to change one player because Conor Bradley was suspended. The home team started strong, with Paddy McNair appearing to cross the ball into the net, but a VAR review ruled the goal off‑side and the whistle stayed down.
Germany slowly found its rhythm. After a long‑range shot from Aleksandar Pavlovic, the hosts hit the post. When David Raum delivered a sharp corner, Woltemade connected with a clean header to make it 1‑0. The Northern Irish team pressed after the break, with Serge Gnabry’s powerful run ending in a missed shot that went wide. Several chances came, but German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann stayed sharp, stopping attempts from Shea Charles and Ethan Galbraith. In the final minutes a substitute, Callum Marshall, almost forced an equaliser, but Baumann’s quick reflexes held the clean sheet.
The win leaves Germany top of Group A, level on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference. Nagelsmann said the team “worked hard on set‑pieces in training, and we got rewarded with the point.” Germany will next travel to Luxembourg before hosting Slovakia in Leipzig in early December.
Other group action:
* Slovakia won 2‑0 over Luxembourg.
* France drew 2‑2 with Iceland in Group D, missing a direct spot in the 2026 qualifiers.
* Ukraine edged Azerbaijan 2‑1, staying three points behind France in its group.
* Belgium beat Wales 4‑2 in Group J, followed by a 1‑1 draw for North Macedonia with Kazakhstan.
* In Group B, Kosovo shocked Sweden 1‑0, while Switzerland finished the match with a 0‑0 draw against Slovenia.
Germany’s victory is a strong signal as the international calendar moves toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying races.
Source: ianslive
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