Northern Ireland vs Germany Preview

Despite appearing to have wrapped up second position in their group, Northern Ireland still have work to do if they want to make it to the playoff stage.

Only 8 of the 9 teams that will finish second in European qualifying will have a ticket to the playoffs and those teams will be determined by their overall record which includes goal difference.

With this in mind, Michael O’Neil will be preparing his side to upset the World champions.

They haven’t lost a game at Windsor Park during this qualifying series and O’Neil will be hoping his players can maintain that standard when Germany visit them in this game.

They have lost their last two games to the Germans but with a playoff ticket at stake, they will be up for a fight in this game.

Germany is arguably the most talented side in Europe right now.

They won the FIFA Confederations Cup by fielding their second team and also won the European youth tournament.

They won this reverse fixture 2-0 at home and they have an opportunity to finish the job in this game.

Timo Werner will be tasked with leading their attack and add to his 6 goals in 5 international games.

He has also scored 5 goals in 6 league games this season.

The Germans have not lost a game since 2015 and that could remain intact after this game with another solid performance.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Northern Ireland 

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Northern Ireland		2-0		Czech Republic	Sep 4, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
W	San Marino		0-3		Northern Ireland	Sep 1, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
W	Azerbaijan		0-1		Northern Ireland	Jun 10, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
W	Northern Ireland		1-0		New Zealand	Jun 2, 2017	International Friendly
W	Northern Ireland		2-0		Norway	Mar 26, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA

Germany 

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Germany		6-0		Norway	Sep 4, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
W	Czech Republic		1-2		Germany	Sep 1, 2017	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
W	Chile		0-1		Germany	Jul 2, 2017	FIFA Confederations Cup
W	Germany		4-1		Mexico	Jun 29, 2017	FIFA Confederations Cup
W	Germany		3-1		Cameroon	Jun 25, 2017	FIFA Confederations Cup

H2H

					DATE	COMPETITION
Germany		2-0		Northern Ireland	Oct 11, 2016	World Cup Qualifying – UEFA
Northern Ireland		0-1		Germany	Jun 21, 2016	European Championship
Northern Ireland		1-4		Germany	Jun 4, 2005	International Friendly