Nick Woltemade scored his first goal for Germany as Germany put themselves in a strong position to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.
Germany began their campaign with a first away defeat in World Cup qualifying, a 2-0 loss to Slovakia in September. However, they then bounced back with home wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
A trip to Belfast looked more difficult, especially after Northern Ireland’s 2-0 victory against Slovakia, but Germany escaped thanks to Newcastle United striker Woltemade continuing his recent good run.
Woltemade, who has four goals in seven games for the Magpies since joining them in August, headed his first goal in Germany from a David Raum corner, and it proved enough despite a lively performance from Northern Ireland.
Germany tops Group A on goal difference, with Northern Ireland three points behind second-placed Slovakia, who picked up a home win over Luxembourg.
Woltemade opens an account in Germany
Northern Ireland looked to have taken the lead in the 14th minute when Dan Ballard headed home following a goalmouth scramble after a long ball from a free-kick was returned.
But the Sunderland defender was denied by the offside flag, with Woltemade then calming the Windsor Park crowd with his first goal at senior international level.
Woltemade was the top scorer at the European Under-21 Championship this summer, netting eight goals, and he continued his form which quickly saw him become a favorite with Newcastle fans when heading in from close range.
Northern Ireland’s response efforts fail
Karim Adeyemi should have put the game beyond doubt shortly after the second half resumed, but the Borussia Dortmund striker shot wide after being played in by Florian Wirtz on the counter-attack.
Northern Ireland threatened to punish Julian Nagelsmann’s side for the miss as they produced a spirited second-half effort.
Shea Charles produced a fine diving save from Oliver Baumann on the hour mark, with the German keeper then forced to deny Ethan Galbraith, who frayed the visitors’ nerves late on with another effort which narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Substitute Callum Marshall 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 victory for Germany.
