Belfast is and remains a fortress: Northern Ireland beat previous league leaders Slovakia 2-0 (1-0) in its capital, giving Germany first place in Group A of the World Cup qualification.
Coach Michael O’Neill’s team continued their impressive home series and have been unbeaten at Windsor Park for almost exactly two years. The more than strong record during this time: nine games, eight wins and only one goal conceded. Northern Ireland are a top team in Belfast – the task will be correspondingly difficult for the DFB team next Monday (8.45 p.m.) in the fourth game of the World Cup qualification.
Own goal initiates Northern Ireland’s victory
However, the hosts also needed luck against Slovakia, which had topped the table after successes against Germany (2-0) and Luxembourg (1-0). A curious own goal by Patrik Hrosovsky (18th) caused the first storm of celebration in the Northern Irish capital, Trai Hume ultimately decided the game in the 81st minute. The team was able to catch up with Germany and Slovakia and is now tied for second place with its competitors.