#4 Germany drop the pace in the second half
Following a first-half where they created a glut of goal-scoring opportunities, Germany took their foot off the gas in the second period. Northern Ireland were even allowed the luxury to get the ball out of the box and lead a counter-attack through Steven Davis.
Apart from a Mario Gotze shot which went off target and a Mario Gomez header which was saved by McGovern, Germany couldn’t muster any meaningful chances at goal. The introduction of Andre Schurrle and Bastian Schweinsteiger – in an attempt to add some potency to Germany’s attacking index - didn’t serve the requisite purpose. Only 3 out of their 12 attempts at goal were on target.
Credit must go to Northern Ireland for frustrating the world champions, but questions will be asked of Joachim Low’s side regarding their inability to finish off opponents with that second goal.
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