Late double strike relieves national coach Nagelsmann against Northern Ireland

(dpa) Won – but how? After a substitute goal from Nadiem Amiri and a free kick from Florian Wirtz, a late-strike German national football team laboriously defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 (1-1). Despite the redeeming double strike in the 69th and 72nd minutes, doubts on the rocky road to the 2026 World Cup have not diminished much three days after the 0-2 false start in Slovakia.

After Bratislava's lifeless performance, Julian Nagelsmann, in his 25th game as national coach with a team made five changes, failed to achieve any relief, but at best managed to limit the damage in Group A.

At least the substitution of first-time goalscorer Amiri and striker Maximilian Beier after the hour ensured a happy ending in front of 43,169 relieved spectators in Cologne. The duo sparked a lot of momentum in attack.

An early goal by Serge Gnabry (7') gave fans hope for a relaxed evening of football. But after the limited Northern Irish equalizer through Isaac Price (34'), further disappointment loomed. Loud whistles erupted at halftime. The World Cup qualifiers continue on October 10 against Luxembourg in Sinsheim, followed three days later by the return match against Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Before kickoff, Mats Hummels was honored by the German Football Association for his career, which included 78 international caps, in glorious late summer weather, and received a standing ovation from the fans. The 2014 World Cup winner then took his seat in the stands and, like the other fans, hoped for "redemption for Thursday." Nagelsmann was aware of the importance of the match: "We simply have to show a different face, for our own sake – and of course for the fans as well."

He didn't shy away from personnel and tactical changes. Most of the five starting eleven changes affected the defense, which was seriously shaky against the Slovakians: Instead of a back four, the German team defended with three central defenders, of whom Waldemar Anton and Robin Koch were new additions to the starting eleven. David Raum and Jamie Leweling were deployed on the flanks to provide more tempo both defensively and offensively.

However, the perfect start was due to the attack, which was also heavily criticized after the Slovakia defeat: After winning a challenge from Nick Woltemade, Gnabry switched gears at lightning speed and ran off his opponent. The Bayern player held his nerve in front of Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and scored the 1-0 with a lob. It was his first international goal in over two years – back then, Gnabry had also scored against Belgium in the Cologne stadium.

Just a few minutes later, a fast counterattack posed another threat. This time, Gnabry passed to Woltemade. The former Stuttgart player, who had joined Newcastle United for up to €90 million, lost the ball in the penalty area instead of going for a direct shot.

The lead initially gave the German team stability, but then Joshua Kimmich and his team suddenly switched to management mode. Their passivity was punished – also because Antonio Rüdiger slipped up again. The Real Madrid player first received his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign for a foul and is suspended for the next match against Luxembourg in October. Then Rüdiger contributed to the corner that led to the equalizer. However, Gnabry also had a hand in the conceded goal, completely losing sight of goalscorer Price from the set piece. Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was powerless to stop the volley from close range.

The equalizer was a clear hit. The players couldn't shake off the setback before halftime. The fact that the spectators sent them to the dressing room with a chorus of boos after the halftime whistle made things even more difficult.

Germany also struggled at the beginning of the second half against the 71st-ranked team in the world. It took until the 58th minute before a good chance arose with Leweling's long-range shot – significantly, after a successful solo effort.

But it acted as a wake-up call, and the intensity demanded by Nagelsmann was suddenly felt again. Anton's header, which hit the crossbar, gave the team new momentum (63'). Amiri rewarded the effort with a goal to make it 2-1 after a cross from Raum. Wirtz then had a brilliant moment with his free kick.