Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Northern Ireland vs Germany
Germany’s 100% record in this World Cup Qualifying campaign continued last night with a comfortable win over Northern Ireland in Belfast. Windsor Park was it’s usual rapturous setting but unfortunately for Michael O’Neill’s team there was to be no upset last night.
Joachim Low’s side took the lead as early as the second minute and it was a strike befitting that of a World Cup Final let alone a qualifier. Sebastian Rudy hit an absolute rocket into the Northern Ireland goal to give the German’s an early lead.
A lead that would be doubled 19 minutes later when Hoffenheim’s Sandro Wagner struck from the edge of the area. Germany were very much in the box seat and although Northern Ireland did show endeavour there were being outclassed throughout the pitch.
Joshua Kimmich’s second half goal wrapped up the win and made it a ninth straight win for Germany in these qualifiers and although Josh Magennis scored a late consolation it did little to change the complexion of the game for the home side.
In fairness though Northern Ireland and Michael O’Neill would have been under little illusion as to what exactly they could get out of this game, their job is almost all but done but they just need to make sure that they get a positive result on Sunday to make sure that they are not the one nation that misses out on the play-offs even as a group runner up.
Azerbaijan vs Czech Republic
The other two group games were dead rubbers with the top two spots in Group C already locked out. The Czech Republic picked up all three points in Azerbaijan thanks to a 2-1 win. Antonin Barak’s 66th minute goal would prove to be the winner
San Marino vs Norway
While San Marino conceded another hatful of goals. This time at the hands of Norway, eight goals to be precise as five different players including Bournemouth’s Josh King got in on the scoring act. Here are all the goals in one short clip.
