The match
On paper, this is a top-of-the-table clash as Northern Ireland (W4) welcomes Germany (W3, L1), as the visitors look to bounce back from their loss to Netherlands. The hosts, however, will be wary of the fact that their wins have all come against the bottom-ranked sides of the group – Estonia and Belarus. Regardless, the four wins have extended Northern Ireland’s unbeaten run in the Euro qualifiers to ten matches (W7, D3), scoring at least twice in six of those ten. Indeed, since the start of 2014, Northern Ireland have lost just once in the Euro qualifiers (W10, D3, L1). Even at home, they have been in top form, staying unbeaten in seven Euro qualifying fixtures (W5, D2) including winning the last three. Germany were humbled 4-2 by Netherlands in their previous ECQ fixture, halting their four-match winning run. The Germans have been in good scoring form too, scoring at least two goals in ten of their last 11 Euro qualifiers – home and away. When it comes to away form, Germany have been equally impressive – scoring at least twice in nine of their last 11 trips in the Euro qualifiers. Indeed, since October 1998, Germany have lost only twice in the Euro qualifiers away from home – one of those to Republic of Ireland in 2015.
Key Statistics
- Northern Ireland have won just two of their 17 H2Hs (W2, D4, L11), with both their wins coming in 1982/83.
- Germany have seen over 2.5 match goals in seven of their last nine ECQs.
- Germany have scored at least twice in nine of their last 11 ECQ away games.
The bet of our experts
Northern Ireland took the maximum advantage of the scheduling to go top after four games – all against Estonia and Belarus, the two bottom-rung sides of the group. Their job starts now, as the games against the big guys start. Germany will be smarting after their loss to Netherlands. They can ill-afford another loss, considering the points that Northern Ireland have already amassed and the form of Netherlands in the campaign. This could be a test of the hosts’ mettle, but the visitors look good to go back with full points.
Created on 07/09/2019 at 21:09