October 14, (THEWILL) — Germany squeezed past Northern Ireland with a 1-0 victory in World Cup qualifying on Monday, moving to the top of a tight Group A, thanks to Nick Woltemade’s first senior international goal. The narrow win at Windsor Park damaged the hosts’ hopes of reaching the tournament.
Northern Ireland nearly enjoyed a dream start when Sunderland defender, Dan Ballard, poked the ball into the roof of the net from close range after meeting Paddy McNair’s knockdown, but the offside flag denied the celebration. Germany broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when David Raum’s whipped corner deflected off the back of Woltemade and into the far side of the net for their first shot on target.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side emerged sharper after the interval, with Karim Adeyemi bending a one-on-one effort wide of the left post. Shea Charles then forced Oliver Baumann into a fine stop with his feet shortly before the hour, and moments later the Germany goalkeeper had to tip Ethan Galbraith’s low drive wide of the post.
Germany increased the pressure in search of a second goal, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell pushed Serge Gnabry’s shot away from the top-right corner to keep Northern Ireland in contention. The hosts continued to press for an equaliser until the final whistle, with Callum Marshall’s saved volley their closest opportunity.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
