Irish are made to pay for Washington misses
Germany hit two to ruin perfect start for O’Neill
NORTHERN Ireland were left to rue what might have been before Germany showed their quality to break their hearts.
Marcel Halstenberg fired home to shatter Irish dreams after Conor Washington, right, failed to convert two early chances when Michael O’Neill’s side had the Germans rocking.
Germany ended Northern Ireland’s 100 per cent start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign and have replaced them as Group C leaders.
But the Irish made Germany look ordinary during a highoctane first half, showing desire, energy and commitment in abundance but no cutting edge.
Northern Ireland sensed the visitors might be vulnerable after their 4-2 home loss to Holland on Friday and tore into them like Viking berserkers.
They hurled themselves into challenges, and their pressure led to Washington’s openings.
First, George Saville headed on Stuart Dallas’ long throw and the Hearts striker stabbed the ball over.
His second chance was more glaring. The hard-working Irish closed down Toni Kroos, whose clearance was deflected to Washington, but his shot was saved by Manuel Neuer’s left arm.
Germany began to play their way into the game and had penalty appeals for handball against both Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart rejected.
Northern Ireland went close again in this pulsating clash when Neuer failed to hold Dallas’ cross but recovered to grab the ball at Washington’s feet on the goalline.
At the other end, Bailey Peacock Farrell produced excellent saves either side of halftime to block Timo Werner’s shot and deny Lukas Klostermann.
Washington’s wastefulness proved costly after 48 minutes when Halstenberg lashed home a right-wing cross left-footed at the back post.
It was the first moment of real quality from the Germans, who took charge from there. The busy Peacock-Farrell saved from Werner before pushing away a Marco Reus free-kick. O’Neill sent on Gavin Whyte, who burst down the right before pulling a good ball back for Dallas to shoot agonisingly wide.
But Serge Gnabry settled matters when he slotted home Germany’s second in the third minute of added time from an acute angle.