A brilliant strike from Isaac Price was not enough for Northern Ireland as second-half goals secured Germany a 3-1 victory in World Cup qualifying, easing the pressure on Julian Nagelsmann.
Price’s 34th-minute volley canceled out Serge Gnabry’s early opener, briefly raising hopes for Northern Ireland, but quick goals from substitute Nadiem Amiri and Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz decided the match in the second half.
Despite the defeat, Northern Ireland troubled Germany for long periods, showing promise from their young squad. Germany entered the match under scrutiny after a surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia, their third straight defeat, which drew criticism for Nagelsmann.
Early on, Germany controlled possession and took the lead in the seventh minute through Gnabry, who had previously netted a hat-trick against Northern Ireland six years ago. After a misplaced pass from Eoin Toal, Nick Woltemade set up Gnabry, who powered past Justin Devenny before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Woltemade had chances of his own as Germany threatened to dominate, but Northern Ireland responded strongly. A sharp run from Price led to a foul by Antonio Rüdiger, earning the defender a booking and shifting momentum. Paddy McNair headed over from Devenny’s corner before Price dispossessed Rüdiger, sparking another attack that resulted in a second corner.
Devenny’s delivery was met with a superb volley by Price at the far post, leveling the score—his eighth goal in nine appearances for Northern Ireland and his 10th overall at just 21. The hosts grew nervous as Northern Ireland surged, and halftime arrived to whistles from the frustrated crowd.
Germany remained shaky early in the second half, with goalkeeper Oliver Baumann struggling under another Devenny cross. The hosts regained control after 10 minutes, but chances from Jamie Leweling and Pascal Gross were denied by Peacock-Farrell, who became Northern Ireland’s third goalkeeper to reach 50 caps.
Pressure mounted as Trai Hume blocked Joshua Kimmich’s powerful strike, and Peacock-Farrell made a sharp save to stop Wirtz on the line.
Read next
Raducanu's Journey from Rome to French Open Fitness Challenge Raises Future Questions
Emma Raducanu was among the first to pass through the imposing gates of the Foro Italico this year. She arrived in Rome ahead of schedule, keen to assess her fitness and readiness for elite competition during a series of practice sessions on the tournament’s heavy red‑clay courts. As
Winter Paralympics athletes furious over schedule as massive thaw disrupts events
In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the thaw has arrived. Daytime temperatures are climbing into the double‑digit Celsius range, causing snow to melt from the slopes and the “torrenti” of runoff to begin flowing again.
Usually a period when snowfall can be at its peak, the region has seen none since
France to don pale blue kit in England clash amid looming kit dispute
England’s Six Nations showdown in Paris on Saturday might turn into a comedy of errors as France prepare to sport a commemorative pale‑blue jersey that could conflict with the white uniform worn by Steve Borthwick’s team.
Fabian Galthié’s side has announced it will wear the anniversary