RUDY HELL.. THE HEAT’S ON O’NEILL
NORTHERN IRELAND were given a Rudy awakening by Germany but their World Cup dream is still alive.
Joachim Low’s side showed why they are world champions as they ended the Belfast boys’ five-match qualifying winning streak in scintillating fashion.
Few teams in the world could have lived with Germany in the opening quarter, let alone an Irish side boasting just three Premier League regulars.
It was game over in 21 minutes as Germany raced into a two-goal lead.
Michael O’Neill had feared as much and rightly claimed this game would not define their campaign.
His side were already guaranteed second and their place in the playoffs could be confirmed even before they face Norway is Oslo on Sunday night if other results go their way.
Michael McGovern had gone eight hours and 43 minutes of competitive football without conceding, only to be beaten in 78 seconds.
To be fair to the Norwich goalkeeper, he could do nothing about Sebastian Rudy’s rightfoot thunderbolt from over 25 yards which left a vapour trail as it found the top corner.
Joshua Kimmich teed up Rudy and the rightback caused havoc, crossing for Sandro Wagner whose header was brilliantly saved at point-blank range by McGovern.
Kimmich was given too much space on the right and he fed Wagner again, only for the post to deny him, before the Hoffenheim striker scored on 21 minutes.
Thomas Muller found him just outside the area and Wagner spun round onto his left foot to curl a shot past McGovern.
The best Northern Ireland could muster in response was a Steven Davis shot deflected behind for a corner. Germany (Q) N Ireland Czech Rep Norway Azerbaijan San Marino P W D L F A Pts 9 9 0 0 38 3 27 9 6 1 2 17 5 19 9 3 3 3 12 10 12 9 3 1 5 16 16 10 9 3 1 5 9 14 10 9 0 0 9 2 46 0
Corry Evans miscontrolled a Josh Magennis cross and Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved his tame effort.
McGovern stopped Germany running away with it by diving to his left to touch away Muller’s header.
The Irish improved greatly in the second half and substitute Conor Washington went close when he grazed the bar.
However, Kimmich got the goal his display deserved four minutes from time when he volleyed in unmarked at the back post.
Charlton striker Magennis belatedly gave the home fans something to cheer when he headed past Ter Stegen in the third minute of stoppage time.