Germany secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast, but the victory did little to calm tensions among supporters. While the scoreline added another three points to Julian Nagelsmann’s tally, fans were far from impressed by the team’s lack of fluidity, slow transitions, and inability to kill off the game early, Softfootball reports.
It was a match that highlighted two contrasting stories, one of frustration and muted relief from German supporters, and another of pride and heartbreak from the Northern Irish faithful. Germany’s narrow win came through a set-piece goal by nick Woltemade, while Northern Ireland’s spirited second-half performance left their fans wondering what might have been.
German Fans Divided Over Nagelsmann’s Approach
zaggle furiously said;
Thank you for nothing! That was an embarrassment, and on TV, they’ll sugarcoat it again because we won. Spain would have beaten us by double digits today.
Nagelsmann out and clear out half the squad. Nothing will come of it with these mercenaries.
Harold roobok added;
Victory. Nothing else matters. Good: Clean sheet achieved, mentality game in a heated atmosphere. What needs to improve: Decide the game earlier. Too many mistakes in build-up play (esp. Tah), second half not consistent enough. The development is on track. Finally!
jd was frustrated with the lack of goals from the german team. he said;
4-0 against 10 Luxembourgers (1 goal from open play). And just barely 1-0 (via a set piece) against Northern Ireland, where a 1-1 would probably have been fairer. What do you take away from that now?
jawolk was disappointed, he stated;
Outstanding. Against an overwhelmingly superior team, three points fought for as the absolute underdog. Brother, that’s pathetic.
eleolon wondered why nagelsmann cant play a particular style, he said;
One could create such a cool mix of possession and counter-attacking football with the player material, but Nagelsmann still thinks he can play TikiTaka à la Barcelona with Adeyemi, Goretzka, and Woltemade!
Interestingly nick woltemade who joined Newcastle from stuggart for a club record fee of €90m scored his first goal for the German national team, Newcastle was quick to share the exciting news with their fans via their official X handle, they posted ;
yes dollar sign was furious as to why goreztka keeps playing. he lammented;
Serious question: what has Goretzka actually done since his good Italy game to deserve starting every match and almost always playing the full game?
Can someone explain this to me? He does absolutely nothing for 90 minutes and still always plays. How does that work?
After the game Northern Ireland via their official X handle thanked their fans lending their voice and showing incredible support for the team despite the loss , they posted ;
Northern Ireland Fans Applaud Performance Despite Defeat
Northern Ireland fans were happy with the team’s display, Brian stated;
Some performance tonight. Were brilliant. Really unlucky not to get something from game. Thought they might struggle to replicate Friday night but were just as good, just didn’t get breaks.
Stephen Macaulay added;
Gutted but so many excellent performances. Ballard, Hume, Galbraith, Charles all outstanding. Ref was conned all night by diving but that’s what you get from Spanish refs
mark b was hopeful that the team gets a second chance to qualify via the playoffs, he stated;
While disappointed in the result, if Czech Republic finish 2nd in their group we should get a play off place through the nations league. So still plenty to look forward too. Slovakia next
kyain was impressed, he said;
Absolutely dominated that second half. Really unlucky but to dominate and put Germany under that much pressure can only be applauded.”
After the game Northern Ireland via its official X handle shared an exclusive video of one stand out player trai thanking fans for their love and support, watch video below;
Germany’s unconvincing display keeps their qualifying campaign steady but uninspired, with calls growing louder for Nagelsmann to adopt a more dynamic, flexible style. For Northern Ireland, the defeat came with pride intact , a performance full of courage, organization, and promise that offers genuine hope heading into their next fixtures.
