Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualifying hopes suffered a major setback as they lost 2-0 to Germany in a pulsating qualifier at Windsor Park.
Marcel Halstenberg’s stunning half-volley early in the second half and a stoppage-time goal by Serge Gnabry gave Joachim Low’s men victory.
Germany go top of Group C, above Northern Ireland on goal difference.
Conor Washington squandered two gilt-edged chances for the home side and Stuart Dallas also went close.
NI keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell made some fine saves as Germany dominated the second half.
Northern Ireland produced a spirited display but now face an uphill struggle to qualify for a second successive Euro finals after suffering an eighth consecutive defeat in matches against the Germans.
Michael O’Neill’s side hoped to build on the momentum generated by winning their first four matches of a qualifying campaign for the first time – home and away doubles over Estonia and Belarus – but eventually came out second best to the three-time European champions.
The Netherlands’ win over Estonia moves them to within three points of the two teams at the top of Group C and the Dutch will be NI’s next opponents in Rotterdam on 10 October.
Further matches at home to Ronald Koeman’s side and away to the Germans complete the campaign in November with the top two teams to qualify.
Northern Ireland were left to rue poor finishing and the lack of a prolific scorer as their enterprising attacking play and energy was not rewarded with goals.
Roared on by a vociferous crowd, who were hoping to see their side emulate the famous September victories over England in 2005 and Spain in 2006, the hosts made a bright start but when Hearts striker Washington found himself through on goal after a rare mistake by Toni Kroos, he was
unable to beat Manuel Neuer, who was quick off his line to charge the ball down.
Lone striker Washington passed up another great opportunity when the ball got stuck under his foot a few yards out after Neuer could only palm Stuart Dallas’s low cross from the right into his path.
A goalmouth scramble ensued but no Northern Ireland player could apply the final touch in a crowded penalty area.
NI’s best chance of the second half fell to Leeds United player Dallas but he dragged his effort from substitute Gavin Whyte’s cross wide of the post.
Northern Ireland defended resolutely for much of the game, keeping their shape and defensive discipline and getting men behind the ball, but when needed goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell distinguished himself with a number of fine saves.
The 22-year-old former Leeds player has been starved of first-team action at new club Burnley this season but his performance in this game brought back memories of fellow NI keeper Michael McGovern’s display against the same opposition at the Euro 2016 finals in France.
Peacock-Farrell denied Niklas Sul, Lukas Klostermann and Thomas Werner on a number of occasions, also diving to push round Marco Reus’s free-kick.
The Germans also had a couple of penalty appeals turned down in the first half, with Craig Cathcart getting away with a possible handball.
