Tresoldi shines again for Germany U21 in win over Northern Ireland

Germany U21 conceded an early goal in the reverse fixture, but they took the lead here with their first sight at Northern Ireland’s goal. Nicolò Tresoldi, who is yet to decide whether he’ll play for Germany or Italy at the senior level, converted the penalty-kick he won himself after the visiting goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley brought him down inside the box.

Fresh from his excellent performance in Werder Bremen’s win away at Wolfsburg, Mio Backhaus made a great save at the other end from Matthew Orr’s header from an offside position. Germany U21 shot-stopper is also evaluating his option ahead of an imminent decision to represent either Nationalmannschaft or Japan.

Despite their dominance in possession, Antonio Di Salvo’s side created very little danger in the final third. However, they were effective with their chances as Tresoldi bagged his brace before the break.

Lukas Ullrich headed Said El Mala’s cross in the direction of the Club Brugge striker, who had the easiest of finishes from close range. Germany started the second-half with Mert Kömür replacing Brjan Gruda.

El Mala and Tresoldi came close for the third goal inside the first five minutes as Germany knew it could all come down to goal difference in their fight to finish top of the group. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland also fashioned a couple of decent chances in an end-to-end start to the half.

It was a drub affair after the hour mark, though. Kömür had the better chance before fellow substitute Nelson Weiper closed out the win with his goal five minutes after coming on the pitch. Borussia Mönchengladbach’s fullback Ullrich played another tidy assist as the Mainz striker returned to the scoresheet after a goalless run in the last four Germany U21 games.

With Greece’s 5-0 win over Malta, Germany will stay in second place before the decisive game between the top two teams in the group four days later.