DFB victory in the European Championship qualification: on the outside in the lane

Moment of the game: rarely dangerous in the front, terrifying moments in the rear - the German national team had to be aware of what was at stake in the European Championship qualifier in Northern Ireland. Then came Marcel Halstenberg. The 48th minute, a cross from the right flew into the penalty area and was extended in the direction of the left-back. He took a long shot and hit the ball volley - a wonderful goal. It was Halstenberg's first international goal, and no matter how many may be added - the 27-year-old will probably not get much nicer.

Result: 2: 0 (0: 0) for Germany. Next to Halstenberg was Serge Gnabry (minute 90. + 3). Click here for the game report.

And that means? Rest for national coach Joachim Loew. After the defeat against the Netherlands last Friday, the unthinkable was conceivable: that the German team missed the qualification for the European Championship in 2020. The threatening worst case has become less likely with this victory, Germany (12 points) is in his group first ahead of Northern Ireland (12) and the Netherlands (9, one less game completed).

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The first half: The stadium narrow, the fans loud, the enemy poisonous - the German team found it difficult to get into the game. The team seemed surprised by the high pressing of the hosts. Symbolic for this was the seventh minute, in which Toni Kroos was attacked deep in his own half aggressively and did not manage to clear the ball. The came instead to Conor Washington, who failed to Manuel Neuer.

The Northern Irish Pressing led to many long balls and more duels. The technical advantage that the DFB professionals actually have played little role, Germany and Northern Ireland were on equal terms. In the end, both teams each had two big chances (twice Washington for Northern Ireland, Niklas Süle and Timo Werner for the guests).

The second half: Lief from German point of view much better. Because Northern Ireland was unable to pull through its run-intensive attacking style and the quality of the German team came into its own. When Marco Reus, Julian Brandt and Gnabry combined, they made moments for tongue clicks. The result: a clear plus chance for the guests who played after the early 1-0 as you would expect from a DFB team in Northern Ireland. Stuart Dallas had a great chance to equalize (63 ') thanks to the help of Gavin Whyte, who was the only one in Northern Ireland in half two.

He is the future: Much was written recently about Kai Havertz, 20, the exceptional talent of Bayer Leverkusen. Against Northern Ireland Havertz came on and even prepared the 2: 0. Less is written about the goalscorer himself, while Gnabry, 24, is Germany's key player in the post-World Cup era. In ten international matches, the Bayern professional was directly involved in eleven hits. Against Northern Ireland, he took responsibility even in lower rooms, for the German game, he is increasingly important.

86 - @SergeGnabry scored 9 goals in just 10 international matches for the @DFB_Team - on average he scores every 86 minutes. Set. #NIRGER #EuroQualifiers pic.twitter.com/CdBWCP5gMT

Outer track: free. When the DFB team became world champion in 2014, central defenders made it to the outside. In the following years, the full-backs moved far forward, playing like disguised wingers. Against Northern Ireland Halstenberg left and Lukas Klostermann interpreted their positions quite differently.

Before them, Brandt and Gnabry kept coming to the center, often accompanied by their opponents. So they released the outer track. Into these rooms played the DFB team purposefully balls into the course of the fast Leipziger defenders. Overall, they were directly involved in seven financial statements. Highlight was the 1: 0, as Klostermann Halstenbergs goal hung up.

Northern Ireland - Germany 0: 2 (0: 0)
0: 1 Halstenberg (48.)
0: 2 Gnabry (90. + 2)
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell - Dallas, Cathcart, Jonny Evans, Lewis - McNair, Davis, Saville (70+ Magennis) - Corry Evans, Washington (83+ Lavery), McGinn (59+ Whyte)
Germany: New - Klostermann, Ginter (from 40th Tah), Sule, Halstenberg - Kimmich, Kroos - Reus (from 85th Can) - Werner (from 68th Havertz), Gnabry, Brandt
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Italy)
Viewers: 18.104 (sold out)
Yellow Cards: McNair, Saville - Gnabry