Germany eased past Northern Ireland on Thursday night, according to the Sun. Germany started the game on a high note as they piled up pressure on Northern Ireland's half and went on to score two goals in the span of twenty-one minutes. Sebastian Rudy scored the opener minutes into the game to put Germany ahead before Sandro Wagner doubled the lead. Afterward, Joshua Kimmich extended the goal difference to 3-0. However, the home team responded back in the stoppage time courtesy of Josh Magennis' powerful volley but couldn't prevent Germany from winning the encounter.
Germany, who're already through to next summer's World Cup, is leaders of Group C with 27 points, while Northern Ireland is second with 19 points. Here are the three things observed in the match.
Germany looked dreadful in their counter attacks
The German machine were apparently fast, tactical and coordinated in launching counter attacks on Northern Ireland's half. They only needed eighty seconds to open the scoring. Joachim Low's men almost turned the game into a goal feast but were curtailed by the hosts' center defense. Sebastian Rudy was just everywhere in the attack as he created several goal scoring chances up field before he struck home the lead for Germany.
Ireland defense were good
Despite losing the encounter, the home team defense needed to be commended.
They obstructed several clear chances Germany had in their half, and they heroically prevented the Germans from turning the match into rout it had earlier seemed to be. Unarguably, this is the first time Ireland's back line fell heavily at home. No other team in the qualifying round had apparently found a way past their defense line.
It truly shows how good Germany attackers are in front of goal. Both Germany defenders Marvin Plattenhardt and Joshua Kimmich had to pushed so high upfront and it effectively turned out to be five versus five across Ireland's defense. Yet, the home team's back line were able to absorbed Germany's pressure and conceded only 3 goals.
Germany proved strong once again
Germany performance on Thursday night was enough to prove how good they are and literally ready to take the world in next summer's World Cup in Russia. They did not just won the game by goal difference, but they showed how dominant and superior they can be regardless of playing at home or away. Overall, Joachim Low's side is indeed a team to beat anytime.
Upcoming matches in Group C
In their last matches in the group, Germany returns to home action when they take on group minnows Azerbaijan on Sunday 8 October. The same day, Northern Ireland slogs it out with Norway on the road.
