Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany: Report, result and goals as Woltemade puts Die Mannschaft in driving seat
Nick Woltemade helped Germany take another step towards the World Cup.
Nick Woltemade scored his first goal for Germany as they put themselves in a strong position to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland.
Germany had started their campaign with a first ever away defeat in World Cup qualifying, 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, in September. However, they subsequently bounced back with home wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
A trip to Belfast promised to be a more difficult assignment, especially after Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win against Slovakia, but Germany came through it as Newcastle United striker Woltemade continued his fine run of recent form.
Woltemade, who has four goals in seven games for the Magpies since joining them in August, headed home his first senior Germany goal from David Raum’s corner, and that proved to be enough despite a spirited showing from Northern Ireland.
Germany are top of Group A on goal difference, with Northern Ireland three points behind second-placed Slovakia, who claimed a home win versus Luxembourg.
Woltemade opens Germany account
Northern Ireland looked to have taken the lead in the 14th minute when Dan Ballard bundled home following a goalmouth scramble after a long ball from a free-kick was flicked on.
But the Sunderland defender was denied by the offside flag, with Woltemade then quieting the Windsor Park crowd with his first goal at senior international level.
Woltemade was the top scorer at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, scoring eight goals, and he continued the form that has seen him quickly become a fan favourite at Newcastle by heading in from close range.
Northern Ireland fightback effort falls short
Karim Adeyemi should have put the game beyond doubt shortly after the second-half restart, but the Borussia Dortmund forward fired wide after being played through by Florian Wirtz on the counter-attack.
Northern Ireland threatened to punish Julian Nagelsmann’s side for that miss as they produced a spirited second-half effort.
Shea Charles drew a fine diving save from Oliver Baumann on the hour mark, with the Germany goalkeeper then forced to deny Ethan Galbraith, who frayed visiting nerves late with another effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Substitute Callum Marshall on almost became a hero for the hosts when he showed great composure after being found in the box by Trai Hume, only for Baumann to preserve a vital win for Germany.