Berlin, Oct 14 (NationPress) Nick Woltemade netted his inaugural international goal as Germany continued their pursuit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 away win against Northern Ireland.

The home team entered the match brimming with confidence following their victory over Slovakia, but coach Michael O'Neill was compelled to make one adjustment due to Conor Bradley being suspended. Meanwhile, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann retained the same squad that achieved a 4-0 victory over Luxembourg.

Northern Ireland began strongly and believed they had scored early when Paddy McNair pushed the ball over the line, only for VAR to disallow it for offside. Germany slowly found their stride, and after Aleksandar Pavlovic tested the goalkeeper from long range, they took the lead in the 31st minute with Woltemade heading in a corner from David Raum.

After halftime, Germany nearly doubled their lead as Serge Gnabry embarked on a solo run that concluded with a shot that went off target. The hosts fought back and created multiple threatening opportunities, with goalkeeper Oliver Baumann denying attempts from Shea Charles and Ethan Galbraith on two occasions. In the final minutes, substitute Callum Marshall almost equalized, but Baumann's quick reflexes kept the clean sheet intact.

This victory keeps Germany at the top of Group A, level on points with Slovakia but leading on goal difference. Nagelsmann's team will next visit Luxembourg before hosting Slovakia in Leipzig next month.

"It wasn't our most aesthetically pleasing performance. The goal from a set piece was expected; we have been focusing on that in training and reaped the rewards. [Karim] Adeyemi should have made it 2-0, but today, securing the three points was our primary goal, and we achieved that," expressed Nagelsmann.

In another match within the group, Slovakia triumphed 2-0 over bottom-placed Luxembourg.

France faced a 2-2 draw against Iceland in Group D, missing the opportunity for direct World Cup qualification. Ukraine narrowly defeated Azerbaijan 2-1, remaining three points behind the leaders, France.

In Group J, Kevin De Bruyne converted two penalties, leading Belgium to a 4-2 victory over Wales, keeping the Red Devils in the race for qualification as Wales faces a playoff challenge. North Macedonia drew 1-1 with Kazakhstan, sitting second behind Belgium.

Meanwhile, in Group B, Kosovo shocked Sweden with a 1-0 victory, while Switzerland held Slovenia to a goalless draw, maintaining their unbeaten status.