It was almost a disappointment: after two 3-0 victories, the German national team scored only two goals against Northern Ireland. Joachim Löw and his team do not have much problems in this World Cup qualifying.
The starting position: two games, two victories, zero problems – the German national team started the qualification for the 2018 World Cup, 3-0 against Norway, 3-0 against the Czech Republic, Thomas Müller both as goalkeepers and Manuel Neuer as goalkeeper without employment. The Nordiren had played against Czech Republic 0-0 and won against San Marino 4-0, but with Germany’s 1-0 victory during the European Championship they were – despite the scarce result – had been chanceless.
The startup setups
Germany: New – Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector – Kroos, Khedira – Miiller, Ozil, Draxler – Götze
Northern Ireland: McGovern – Hodson, Hughes, McAuley, Jonny Evans, Ferguson – Davis – Corry Evans, Ward, Norwood – Magennis
Result: 2: 0 (2: 0) for Germany.
The first half: After four minutes Germany had the first chance (Mario Götze per headball), after 13 minutes led the world champion 1: 0. Julian Draxler had taken the lead by Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller. Four minutes later, Sami Khedira pushed the ball to a 2-0 win over the line – Northern Ireland was overwhelmed by the German assault series, which also surely combined on the slippery ground in Hanover. Only after about half an hour did Germany lose something and Northern Ireland came to some attacks, which were not dangerous.
