Michael O’Neill rues mistakes in Northern Ireland’s defence after Germany defeat

But a defensive mix-up allowed Germany substitute Nadiem Amiri to put them back in front in the 69th minute before Florian Wirtz’s free-kick – three minutes later – put it to bed.

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland suffered a 3-1 defeat to Germany (Brian Lawless/PA)

Michael O’Neill rued mistakes in Northern Ireland’s defence after they fell to a 3-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Germany despite impressing for long periods in Cologne.

A superb strike from Isaac Price cancelled out Serge Gnabry’s early goal for Germany and Northern Ireland finished the first half as the stronger side with the hosts’ nerves showing after a run of three-consecutive defeats.