(Wolte)made to score: Newcastle's big man wins it for Germany

Germany are getting closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup one step at a time. Three days ago, they easily dismantled Luxembourg, and tonight they brushed aside Northern Ireland 1-0 on the road, recording a vital win, especially since the two rivals were equal in the Group A table ahead of the clash.

The Green and White Army hasn't beaten Die Mannschaft in 42 years and avoided defeat last time in November 1996. Ten consecutive losses became 11 tonight, as Nick Woltemade sealed the home crew's fate with his maiden national team goal, continuing his fantastic form, which can delight Julian Nagelsmann as well as everyone at St. James' Park.

Both Northern Ireland and Germany won their latest qualifying matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg, respectively, so both sides' confidence was high. Nevertheless, as expected, the visitors were in control from the ref's first whistle, but failed to outsmart the home crew's sturdy defence.

And while Die Mannschaft were trying to find a hole in the rivals' defensive wall, they were nearly shocked a quarter of an hour into the game when the Northern Irish found the net over Daniel Ballard. Luckily for Julian Nagelsmann and his men, the goal did not stand, as Paddy McNair was offside prior to the goal.

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That moment did boost the Green and White Army's confidence, but the visitors were still firmly in control of the ball and it eventually paid off, as Germany gave Northern Ireland - which generally mainly rely on set pieces and long balls - a taste of their own medicine.

David Raum took a corner kick a minute after the half-hour mark, and his fantastic cross saw Nick Woltemade, who headed the ball in, putting his crew in front with his maiden national team goal! RB Leipzig left-back thus recorded an assist after scoring a free-kick opener three days ago, while Newcastle striker continued his magnificent scoring spree, netting his fourth goal in the last five games for club and country.

The Germans managed to defend the minimal edge until the break, allowing the home team few chances to level.

Once the second half began, Northern Ireland went for an equalizer and opened much space for Germany's counterattack. Florian Wirtz sent a timely pass for Karim Adeyemi, but the Borussia Dortmund forward finished the attack poorly, firing the ball narrowly wide of the right post.

One the other hand, the visitors' keeper Oliver Baumann was mostly untested, but once the home crew's offence around 60th minute started, he was ready for the challenge. In the span of few minutes, Hoffenheim custodian and captain stopped two dangerous Shea Charles and Ethan Galbraith's efforts, keeping his team in the lead. His counterpart in the opposing goal, Bailey Peacock-Farrell stood out minutes later, denying Serge Gnabry's powerful strike from the right-hand side.

Northern Ireland's pressure continued, but was rather mild and ineffective. Frankly speaking, Callum Marshall threatened twice until the end of the game - once sending the ball over the bar, and once seriously testing Baumann, but alas, German fortress held out.

In the same qualifying group, Slovakia beat Luxembourg 2-0 at home, and kept up with Germany, as both teams have nine points, while the Green and White Army sits in third position with three points less than the leading duo.

WC QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Monday

Iceland - France 2-2 (1-0)

/Palsson 39, Hlynsson 70 - Nkunku 63, Mateta 68/

North Macedonia - Kazakhstan 1-1 (0-0)

/Bardhi 74 - Karaman 54/

Northern Ireland - Germany 0-1 (0-1)

/Woltemade 31/

Slovakia - Luxembourg 2-0 (0-0)

/Obert 55, Schranz 72/

Slovenia - Switzerland 0-0

Sweden - Kosovo* 0-1 (0-1)

/Asllani 32/

Ukraine - Azerbaijan 2-1 (1-1)

/Gutsulyak 30, Malinovskyi 64 - Akhundzade 45+3/

Wales - Belgium 1-3 (1-2)

/Rodon 8 - De Bruyne 18 pen, 76 pen, Meunier 24/