Nagelsmann Reveals How Strategic Substitutions Turned the Match Around

‘They All Worked Out’: Nagelsmann Hails Tactical Alterations As Germany Beat Northern Ireland 3-0

Managers comments Germany national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann gave his views to the media after Germany convincingly defeated Northern Ireland 3-0, in the second group game of the 2026 World Cup European qualifying campaign.

Nagelsmann emphasized the difficulty: "Northern Ireland was a strong opponent. They're long ball, they're always defending with 10 men, they are very dangerous in set pieces.

Speaking about the game, he said: "We had the 1-0 lead with a great start, we scored and it was deserved, but then they equalised. The rhythm was a little off, which was understandable in the wake of Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia. There was less tension at half-time, but we demonstrated our power after the interval. The energy, intensity, and tactical discipline really allowed us to find a win.”

The coach also had his eye on some point winners: „Jamie Leweling played a great game. It wasn’t all rosy, but he was ahead of the curve.”

Nagelsmann felt that the not of substitutions had been key: "The subs made the game today very different to the first half. Nadiem Amiri – outstanding, Maximilian Bier for pace and penetrative runs behind the defense and Leon Goretzka was a lot better than on Thursday. Even Jonathan Tah demonstrated superb body language in a difficult encounter against long-bal tactics moments earlier.”

"There is still something for us to improve, but if I look at our performance for today, I’m very happy. “We showed tactical adaptability, mental resilience, and the ability to fight back after adversity.