Germany breathed a sigh of relief in Cologne as they bounced back from a disappointing defeat to Slovakia with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in their second World Cup qualifier game. The performance from the german side wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly the kind of response the four-time world champions needed to find their rhythm and put their qualifying campaign back on track.
The opening stages showed more intensity compared to Thursday’s lethargic display, with Germany getting on the scoresheet early and looking far sharper in possession. Northern Ireland briefly threatened after pulling level, but the hosts eventually settled and finished the game strongly, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer.
Florian Wirtz, who continues to grow into his role as one of Germany’s brightest young stars, admitted the team had to make amends after the Slovakia setback, in his statement after the game via the German football association official website ,he said;
We all know the last match was a disaster, and we wanted to do better today. Against Slovakia, we didn’t bring enough energy to the pitch – we improved on that today.
It was a good performance and we can definitely be pleased with it.
His words summed up the mood in the German camp one of relief but also recognition that bigger tests lie ahead. Softfootball understands that Nagelsmann and his players see this win not as a turning point yet, but as a much-needed step in the right direction.
For Wirtz, the display was further proof of his growing influence, and for Germany, it was about restoring belief before the qualifiers get tougher.Germany will be in action against Luxemborg and Northern Ireland next month as they continue their quest to compete for a fifth World Cup Crown.
