Germany defeats Northern Ireland in Euro 2020 qualification
Germany defeated Northern Ireland (6-1) on Tuesday in the final match of Group C in the Euro 2020 qualification, coming back from the initial goal scored by the Northern Irish to secure three points that ensured the 'Mannschaft' the group leadership.
Michael Smith gave the visiting team the lead in Frankfurt, but Joachim Low's team, with many absences, came back with a hat-trick from Serge Gnabry (19, 47, 60), a brace from Leon Goretzka (43, 72), and a goal from Julian Brandt (90+1).
The 'Mannschaft', three-time European champion, finishes their road to the Euro with 7 victories and only one defeat, with 21 points, two more than the Netherlands, who won 5-0 against Estonia.
Gnabry has scored 13 goals in as many matches as an international player and, at 24 years old, establishes himself as Germany's offensive reference.
After a crazy first few minutes, with Northern Ireland's opening goal, the Germans didn't take long to take control of the game.
Ilkay Gündogan came close with a header that hit the post, before Bayern Munich's forward Gnabry equalized with a powerful shot into the top corner from inside the box.
Goretzka scored the second goal by beating his marker in the heart of the area in a move that also came from the left wing.
A cross-shot from Gnabry, another display of strength and skill to beat the goalkeeper despite the defender's push, sealed the match.
Goretzka, with a low shot from outside the box, and Brandt, assisted by Toni Kroos, completed the goal fest. (D)