Germany edge NI 1-0 as Woltemade nets first international goal

Germany edged Northern Ireland 1-0 at Windsor Park on Monday as Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade scored his first senior international goal to give Julian Nagelsmann's side a vital win in 2026 World Cup qualifying. Woltemade turned David Raum's corner into the net in the 31st minute, and that single moment proved decisive in a tight contest played before a charged home crowd.

The match was scrappy for long periods, with Northern Ireland producing several promising openings but failing to convert. An early Daniel Ballard effort was ruled out for offside after a Bailey Peacock-Farrell delivery led to a scramble in the German box. Germany settled into the game and took the lead when Raum swung in a corner and Woltemade guided the ball beyond Peacock-Farrell, a strike that stood after a VAR check.

Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was called on at times, but it was Northern Ireland who pushed harder for an equaliser in the second half. Karim Adeyemi squandered a clear chance early after the interval when he was put through one on one with Peacock-Farrell. Late pressure from the hosts produced several shots and a stoppage-time scramble, but Germany defended resolutely and Jonathan...