Belfast, Northern Ireland – Nick Woltemade's first international goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Germany against a resilient Northern Ireland side in their World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park on Monday night. The Newcastle United forward's 31st-minute header proved to be the difference, maintaining Germany's position at the top of Group A in the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

The match, which marked Michael O'Neill's 100th game in charge of Northern Ireland, saw the hosts put up a spirited fight against their highly-rated opponents. Despite Germany's dominance in possession, Northern Ireland created several opportunities and tested the German defense throughout the match.

Northern Ireland thought they had taken an early lead in the 14th minute when Daniel Ballard scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Germany gradually asserted their control, and in the 31st minute, Woltemade rose above Isaac Price to head home a David Raum corner, marking his first goal for the national team. "Woltemade will remember the time, place and continuation of a rapid rise".

After the break, Germany had a chance to extend their lead when Karim Adeyemi found himself through on goal, but he fired his shot wide. Northern Ireland responded strongly, with Ethan Galbraith and Shea Charles forcing saves from German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Substitute Callum Marshall also had a late effort kept out as Northern Ireland pushed for an equalizer.

While Germany ultimately secured the win, their performance was not entirely convincing. Northern Ireland had more shots than Germany, highlighting the visitor's struggles to break down a stubborn and determined Northern Irish defense. Despite Germany's technical superiority, they "failed to properly punish a Northern Ireland team who showed wonderful tenacity".

Julian Nagelsmann, the Germany coach, had previously stirred controversy by describing Northern Ireland as an "unattractive long-ball" team. He later apologized, acknowledging their effectiveness. The match itself was a hard-fought contest, with Northern Ireland displaying plenty of resilience.

With this victory, Germany edged closer to the 2026 World Cup staging. Germany are top of Group A with nine points from four games. Slovakia are behind the four-time World Cup winners only on goal difference after they beat Luxembourg in the group's other game, with Northern Ireland three points further back with two games left to play.

The result leaves Northern Ireland needing a "safety net of a potential qualifying play-off via the Nations League".