"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."
"But 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. They made hard work of it, but Germany are up and running."
"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."
Germany recovered to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Cologne after an uneasy start to qualifying. Julian Nagelsmann made five changes to his starting lineup and relied on substitutions to change the game's momentum. Serge Gnabry scored early, but Germany became sloppy and conceded an equalizer from a corner, prompting boos at half-time. Nadiem Amiri's introduction increased tempo, intensity and creativity, and he scored the goal that swung control back to the hosts. Florian Wirtz then produced a decisive free-kick to seal the win and give Germany relief and three points.
Read at www.dw.com
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