After the debacle of Bratislava to start off Germany’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Julian Nagelsmann’s woes continued at home in Cologne. A much-changed Germany side squeezed past Northern Ireland with a 3-1 win. The result was one of pure relief for Germany as they continue their road to the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Here are the key takeaways from Germany’s win in Cologne.
Nagelsmann gets emotional response
Julian Nagelsmann had lamented his side’s lack of emotional investment in Slovakia, saying he had to “find the right players for the situation” moving forward. He made five changes to his starting eleven, hoping that new faces and public criticism of the team would work in his favor.
The result suggests it did, but in truth it was Nagelsmann’s substitutions that turned the game. Serge Gnabry’s early goal was a false dawn, as Germany’s early intent gave way to sloppiness, opening the door for Northern Ireland to equalize from a corner. Boos rang out at the break. Germany looked like they were stuck in treacle, caught by some mental block.
“I understand the fans because they expect something different,” Nagelsmann told broadcaster RTL. “I think a ticket costs quite a bit, and they want to see a different kind of football. I can understand that.”
“On the other hand, I can also say that whistles like that don’t really help you much at halftime,” he added.
What did help the arrival of Nadiem Amiri proved a masterstroke from Nagelsmann. The Mainz midfielder changed the tempo, he threw himself into challenges and he seemed to free up the hosts. It was fitting the player who best personified the response Nagelsmann was looking for scored the goal that turned the tide for Germany.
“We still have a lot of steps to take,” Nagelsmann said afterwards. “But as a coach I gained a lot of insights today.”
They made hard work of it, but Germany are up and running.
Serge Gnabry scored early but Germany had to work hard to get the winImage: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa/picture alliance
World-class Wirtz sends a message
New Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz delivered a timely reminder in Jamal Musiala’s absence that he is capable of carrying this Germany team.
He was more involved and more decisive. His free kick had the air of prime Cristiano Ronaldo to it. Centrally positioned, Wirtz effortlessly floated it over the wall and into the top corner. Fittingly, the goal ended the contest. Wirtz celebrated by pointing to his chest and to the ground in a reminder of this being his field. It was a reminder to the rest of Europe that even when Germany are struggling collectively, Wirtz’s quality can get them over the line.
World Cup spot on the line
Three points from the opening two games has created a challenge for Nagelsmann and his team. With Slovakia snatching a late win in Luxembourg, the showdown between Germany and Slovakia in Leipzig for the final qualifying game on November 17 now takes on huge significance. The tiebreakers for qualifying are points and then goal difference (head-to-head is fourth in the tiebreakers list).
If Germany can pick up some big wins on their way to that game in Leipzig — and Slovakia cannot — then Nagelsmann’s side will still have a chance of topping the group if they win that final game.
“If you do everything together — that’s what we still need to understand in our country — then it actually works much better most of the time,” Nagelsmann said after the match.
This team is still working towards being a united group. Euro 2024 suggested that a corner had been turned for the generation that has endured more than enjoyed, but the start of this qualifying campaign has put that evolution under review. This win has jolted Germany back into life somewhat, but the answer to the question how will this Germany team be remembered still remains somewhat unclear. More answers will come next month when Germany host Luxembourg (October 10) and travel to Belfast (October 13).
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
