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.
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