Germany Gets Back on Track
After the debacle of Bratislava to start the 2026 qualification campaign, head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s problems continued at home in Cologne. A much changed German team pushed past Northern Ireland with a 3-1 win. The result was a pure relief for Germany because they continue their way to the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Nagelsmann’s Emotional Reaction
Germany’s head coach had complained about the lack of emotional investments in his team in Slovakia and said that he had to "find the right players for the situation". He made five changes to his starting line-up, hoping that new faces and public criticism of the team would work in his favor. The result indicates that this was the case, but in truth Nagelsmann’s substitutes turned the game.
Serge Gnabry’s early goal was a wrong dawn because Germany’s early intention was sloppy and opened the door for Northern Ireland to compensate for a corner. Boos ran out of the crowd at halftime. Germany looked as if they were in the melace syrup and caught by mental blockade. Nagelsmann told RTL, "I understand the fans because they expect something else. I think a ticket costs a lot and you want to see a different kind of football. I can understand that." He also added, "On the other hand, I can also say that such whistles don’t help you much at halftime."
The Turning Point
What helped was the arrival of Nadiem Amiri, who proved to be a master of Nagelsmann. The midfielder from Mainz changed the pace, threw himself into challenges and seemed to free the hosts. It adapted to the player who best personified the answer who was looking for Nagelsmann, scored the gate that turned the flood for Germany. Nagelsmann said, "We still have many steps to take. But as a trainer I gained a lot of insights today."
World Class Wirtz Sends a Message
New Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz provided a timely memory of Jamal Musiala’s absence that he was able to wear this German team. He was more involved and more determined. His free kick had the air from Prime Cristiano Ronaldo. Centrally positioned Wirtz floated effortlessly over the wall and into the upper corner. Fittingly, the goal ended the competition. Wirtz was celebrated by pointing to his chest and on the floor, a tribute to his roots in the area of Cologne.
World Cup Spot on the Line
Three points from the first two games have created a challenge for Nagelsmann and his team. Since Slovakia in Luxembourg achieved a late victory, the showdown between Germany and Slovakia in Leipzig is of great importance for the final qualification game on November 17th. The tiebreaker for qualifying are points and then goal difference. Nagelsmann said, "If you do everything together – We still have to understand that in our country – Then it works much better most of the time."
This team is still working to be a united group. Euro 2024 suggested that a corner for the generation, which more than enjoyed, was turned over, but the beginning of this qualification campaign checked this evolution. This victory has torn down a bit again, but the answer to the question of how this German team will be remembered is still somewhat unclear. Further answers will take place next month if Germany is organized on October 10th Luxembourg and travels to Belfast, Northern Ireland on October 13.
