Wirtz stunner helps Germany bounce back against Northern Ireland | Sports

COLOGNE, Germany, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A stunning free-kick from Florian Wirtz helped Germany overcome a sluggish performance to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in World Cup qualifying in Cologne on Sunday. Germany came into the match under pressure after a shock 2-0 loss to Slovakia in their opening qualifier on Thursday, with coach Julian Nagelsmann making five changes to his starting XI. Serge Gnabry got the hosts off to a strong start seven minutes in, but the Germans were pegged back midway through the first half when Isaac Price hammered home from a corner. Germany lacked pace, fluidity and ideas in the opening period, leaving the field at half-time to isolated boos and whistles. Nagelsmann was swiftly rewarded for...