Low spoils King’s high

As Germany reached Brazil, it should not be forgotten that someone else reached a career high. Noel King can now always say that he managed his country. That it came against the three-time world champions only deepened the distinction.

The other side of that was that the Germans played with many of the qualities of such a side, and the manner they toyed with Ireland was often tough viewing.

The final score, however, was not especially difficult reading. This was respectable in some senses, not least the fact the margin of victory was not as large as last year’s 6-1. How much of that was down to the Germans is key, though. This did feel like they could have had another few if they wanted.