Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany: Woltemade secures nervy qualifying win

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Nick Woltemade’s first senior Germany goal secured his side a vital 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Monday.

In a tight Group A, Germany moved top of the table thanks to the narrow win, with their hosts’ hopes of reaching the World Cup taking a hit at Windsor Park.

It was almost a dream start for Northern Ireland as Sunderland’s Dan Ballard poked a close-range shot into the roof of the net after meeting Paddy McNair’s knockdown, but the offside flag quickly cut the celebrations short.

Germany then broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with their first shot on target; David Raum’s whipped corner deflected into the far side of the net off the back of Woltemade.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with Karim Adeyemi bending a shot wide of the left post while one-on-one with Bailey Peacock-Farrell.