Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill disappointed after ‘sore loss’ to Germany

Woltemade netted the winner as a below-par Germany side left Windsor Park with three points that keep them top of Group A.

Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill was left disappointed (Liam McBurney/PA)

Michael O’Neill was left disappointed by a “sore loss” as an unorthodox first international goal from Nick Woltemade gave Germany a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Woltemade made the breakthrough in the 31st minute, turning in David Raum’s corner via the back of his shoulder, as a below-par Germany side left Windsor Park with three points that keep them top of Group A, level with Slovakia and three ahead of O’Neill’s side.