Germany bounced back from defeat to Slovakia with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a spirited Northern Ireland side to pick up their first win of World Cup qualifying.
The home side made the breakthrough after just seven minutes when a defensive mistake resulted in Serge Gnabry finding himself one-on-one with Bailey Peacock-Farrell, as the winger kept his composure with a well-taken finish.
However, Julian Nagelsmann's side failed to make their dominance count as Northern Ireland scored a stunning equaliser not long after the half-hour mark. A Justin Devenny corner fell to Isaac Price at the backpost, as the West Brom forward pounced to fire home a stunning volley to silence the home crowd.
Despite a spirited display from the away side, Germany created multiple chances in the second half before eventually scoring twice in a span of three minutes to secure the victory.
Peacock-Farrell failed to deal with a David Raum cross, resulting in substitute Nadiem Amiri slotting home at the back post before a stunning free-kick from Florian Wirtz extended Germany's advantage.
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Story of the Match
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann made five changes to the side that were defeated by Slovakia on Thursday. Waldemar Anton, Robin Koch and David Raum all came into the defence with Antonio Rudiger and goalkeeper Oliver Baumann keeping their places.
Borussia Dortmund's Pascal Gross came in for Angelo Stiller to partner Joshua Kimmich in midfield whilst Leon Goretzka made way for Jamie Leweling in the number ten role.
Meanwhile, after their 3-1 victory over Luxembourg, Michael O'Neill named an unchanged starting eleven. Jamie Reid continued to lead the line alongside Isaac Price, whilst Justin Devenny and Conor Bradley took up the wing-back positions.
Germany dominated in the early stages and made the perfect start with just seven minutes played. A mistake from Eoin Toal fell kindly to Nick Woltemade, who set away Serge Gnabry, with the winger finding the back of the net with a delightful dink over Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The home side continued to be the better side early on as Kimmich won back possession inside their own half before playing through Gnabry, whose cross fell to Woltemade but the forward was unable to fire a shot at goal.
However, despite the pressure from Germany, the Northern Ireland defence stood firm by restricting them to minimal attempts on goal. Gnabry once again looked to pick out Woltemade in the middle, but Ali McCann tracked back in time to make a last-ditch challenge.
Meanwhile, at the other end, the Green and White Army struggled to capitalise on their set-piece opportunities, with Shea Charles unable to pick out a teammate in the penalty area on three separate occasions.
But in the 31st minute, Northern Ireland had their first effort on goal when a Justin Devenny corner was headed over by Paddy McNair. Michael O'Neill's side soon had their tails up and were starting to find their rhythm in Cologne.
Northern Ireland managed to find themselves level just minutes later. Devenny whipped in a corner towards the backpost, where Isaac Price snuck in to volley home a first time strike into the roof of the net, sparking scenes of jubilation in front of the travelling supporters.
In first half stoppage time, German left-back David Raum found the back of the net with a powerful drive, only for the flag to be raised for offside, much to the relief of the away side.
The Green and White Army carried their first-half momentum into the second and showed promise going forward, whilst Germany seemed to lack that creative spark.
However, the hosts started to dominate in possession and had the first opportunity of the second half - winger Jamie Leweling cut in on his left before curling an effort wide of the target. Germany came close to retaking the lead just after the hour mark when a well-taken free-kick routine saw Raum denied by Peacock-Farrell before keeping out the rebound from Gross.
Nagelsmann's side had another chance moments later from another set piece as defender Waldemar Anton headed over. Germany continued to push for a second when a Florian Wirtz strike drew an excellent save from Peacock-Farrell.
However, with 21 minutes to go, the home side's pressure finally paid off. Raum crossed towards Maximilian Beier in the middle, who failed to beat the onrushing goalkeeper, only for Nadiem Amiri to poke home into an empty net.
Germany soon doubled their lead through Wirtz, as the Liverpool forward guided an excellent free-kick into the top left corner. The goal extinguished any hopes of a late fightback from the away side as the Germans secured a much-needed victory.
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Player of the Match - Conor Bradley
Despite ending up on the losing side, Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley put in an excellent shift at the back for Northern Ireland and helped keep the Germany attack at bay.
Whilst it was a positive team performance from the visitors, Bradley will certainly take plenty of confidence from the game heading into a crucial set of fixtures next month.
