Florian Wirtz shines as Germany recover with vital win over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying

Germany steadied their campaign with a much-needed 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Cologne, easing the pressure after their shock opening defeat to Slovakia. The night belonged to Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s summer signing, who delivered a stunning free-kick to seal the result, while David Raum’s creativity proved decisive throughout.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side wasted little time asserting control. Serge Gnabry, finding space behind the Northern Irish backline, latched onto Nick Woltemade’s incisive pass before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the opener. For all Germany’s possession, however, a lapse in concentration turned the contest. Antonio Rüdiger’s error from a corner gifted Justin Devenny the chance to pick out Isaac Price, whose smart volley drew the visitors level before the interval.

The second half began with Germany still searching for rhythm. But Raum’s sharp vision provided the breakthrough. His perfectly weighted delivery tempted Peacock-Farrell out of position, allowing Nadiem Amiri to pounce and finish into an empty net. The momentum shift was complete when Wirtz stepped up over a 20-yard free-kick. Striking with precision and confidence, the 21-year-old midfielder bent the ball beyond the wall and into the corner—an emphatic moment for a player seeking to settle at Anfield following his high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite the victory, questions remain for Nagelsmann. Rüdiger again looked vulnerable, collecting an early booking that limited his trademark aggression. Yet the night’s positives outweighed the negatives: Raum’s tireless influence on the left flank and Wirtz’s statement of intent offered Germany the spark they needed to reignite their qualification campaign.

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