Northern Ireland pushed Germany all the way in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier in Belfast tonight.
The Germans left the stadium with all three points, but Michael O’Neill’s side deserved at least a point.
In the second half in particular they gave it a real go against the top seeds in Group A of the European qualifiers.
In the end a first half goal from striker Nick Woltemade was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Germans which they barely deserved.
The atmosphere created by 17,926 fans at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park was electric.
The visitors were the better team in the first half, however Northern Ireland were on top after the break in O'Neill's 100th game in charge of his country.
Germany pushed forward from the start, and the first chance of the game fell to attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who blasted a shot well over the top.
Then German defender Nico Schlotterbeck let fly from distance, however his effort also sailed over the bar.
Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard put the ball in the net following a goalmouth scramble on 14 minutes, however Paddy McNair was offside when Ballard nodded the ball on to him in the build-up.
On 17 minutes Germany captain Joshua Kimmich hauled Ballard down just outside the area, however the German defence rushed out to close down Isaac Price’s shot from the resultant free-kick.
Aleksandar Pavlovic curled a shot wide as Germany continued to press.
In the 25th minute Northern Ireland keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell punched away a dangerous free-kick delivery from David Raum.
Germany took the lead on 31 minutes when Woltemade rose above Price four yards out and directed a Raum corner into the net with his shoulder.
The Northern Ireland defence stood firm, putting in tackles and getting their heads to everything, as Germany peppered the penalty area with crosses.
In the 43rd minute Ethan Galbraith superbly rode a series of German tackles before teeing up Jamie Reid 15 yards out, however the striker fired the ball over the top.
A clipped Wirtz cross drifted wide of the post as Germany continued to dominate possession.
Right on the stroke of half-time Ali McCann swivelled on the edge of the area and produced a rasping half-volley which went just past the upright.
There was a let-off for Northern Ireland just after the restart when Karim Adeyemi got in behind the home defence but steered his shot wide from 12 yards as Peacock-Farrell raced off his line towards him.
But after that Northern Ireland were in the ascendancy.
Isaac Price headed over the top and substitute Josh Magennis fired a cross over the crossbar as Northern Ireland pressed.
A Trai Hume knock-down was blasted towards goal by Shea Charles and saved by German keeper Oliver Baumann.
Then Galbraith produced a fine low drive which Baumann got his fingertips to and directed into the side-netting.
In the 70th minute Peacock-Farrell reacted quickly to push away a Serge Gnabry shot.
After that it was all Northern Ireland.
Shea Charles and Hume both had shots blocked and Galbraith sliced an effort wide of the target.
Justin Devenny also had an effort on goal before Hume slipped the ball to substitute Callum Marshall and his fine strike was pushed away by Baumann.
In added time Magennis had a shot blocked by German defender Jonathan Tah with his head.
Northern Ireland: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Brodie Spencer, Justin Devenny, Trai Hume, Paddy McNair, Daniel Ballard, Ethan Galbraith, Shea Charles, Jamie Reid, Isaac Price, Alistair McCann.
Substitutes: (used) Josh Magennis, Callum Marshall, Paul Smyth; (unused) Conor Hazard (GK), Luke Southwood (GK), Terry Devlin, Eoin Toal, George Saville, Dion Charles, Jamie Donley, Ruairi McConville, Jamie McDonnell.
Germany: Oliver Baumann, Joshua Kimmich (captain), David Raum, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Karim Adeyemi.
Substitutes: (used) Maximilian Beier, Waldemar Anton, Robert Andrich, Ridle Baku, Jonathan Burkardt; (unused) Alexander Nubel (GK), Finn Dahmen (GK), Robin Koch, Nadiem Amiri, Felix Nmecha, Angelo Stiller, Nathaniel Brown.
Action from National Stadium
