Thomas Müller Calls Germany's 2022 World Cup Exit 'an Absolute Catastrophe'
Dec 1, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: A dejected Thomas Muller of Germany waves to the fans at full time after both teams are knocked out the FIFA World Cup in the group stages during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Longtime German men's national team forward Thomas Müller didn't mince words about the team's failure to advance to the group stage of the World Cup for a second straight tournament after winning the title in 2014.
"It's an absolute catastrophe," he told reporters. "It is unbelievably bitter for us because our result would have been enough [if Spain hadn't lost to Japan]. It's a feeling of powerlessness. If that was my last game for Germany, it has been a tremendous pleasure. Thank you very much."
It seems likely to be the final World Cup for veterans Müller, Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan and Mario Götze, while manager Hansi Flick's time may be drawing to a close as well.
"If this was my last game, it was a huge pleasure," Müller added. "I've done it with love."
Since winning the 2014 World Cup, the Germans reached the semifinals of the 2016 Euros, bowed out in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup and lost in the round of 16 at the 2020 Euros (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Flick told reporters Thursday:
"We need to assess our World Cup, head into a different direction. This is the next step we will take and we will do it very soon. We can get up quickly and recover. We will see what the future looks like and how we can implement our ideas. I am a very critical person and we will assess everything."
Germany will look to regroup ahead of the 2024 Euros, which it is hosting. And it seems likely that a great number of changes are in store after Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 on Thursday but failed to advance because Spain had a superior goal differential.
Germany, the team with the highest xG (+10.0) and xGD (+6.4) at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is going home 🤯
In particular, a 2-1 loss against Japan earlier in the group stage loomed large, as did a 1-1 draw with Spain.
Flick told reporters:
"I don't care about different teams, it's all up to us. If you look at the games and number of goals that were our fault, I am convinced that we gave away our chances against Spain and Japan. You have to take your chances and score goals. If we had, it would have been a different story. There were lots of individual mistakes in the games and it made me very angry. I told the team I was upset. But I'm not looking for excuses."
Germany Fans in Total Shock After Missing 2nd Straight World Cup Knockout Stage
Dec 1, 2022
Germany's Kai Havertz, left, and Germany's Mario Goetze react after the World Cup group E soccer match between Costa Rica and Germany at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor , Qatar, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Germany didn't control its own destiny heading into the final round of games in Group E play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, and it cost the four-time champions.
While the Germans upheld their end of the bargain, beating Costa Rica 4-2, Japan's stunning 2-1 victory over Spain in the group's other game meant the Samurai Blue clinched the top spot in the group with six points and the Spaniards moved on because of superior goal differential over Germany.
Coming to Qatar, nobody would have predicted Germany failing to make the group stage for a second straight tournament, let alone Japan beating both them and Spain, another perennial power, to top the group.
That unpredictability is what makes the World Cup so special. The polarity between the elation and agony is what makes it such a compelling watch, and football Twitter was stunned that the Germans once again found themselves on the anguish end of the spectrum:
Germany exit the World Cup at the group stage for the second tournament running 😬 pic.twitter.com/D4WsYBpUAf
Germany are out of the World Cup and not a soul can convince me that it was anyone’s fault but their own. Hansi Flick picked a squad full of holes, compromises and entirely lacking in quality. They simply weren’t good enough.
Germany will need to take a long, hard look in the proverbial mirror after going from a 2014 World Cup title to consecutive group-stage failures. This wasn't any easy group, but it's still one a traditional powerhouse like the Germans would be expected to navigate.
Granted, they aren't alone in their failure to advance. Earlier Thursday, it was Belgium that didn't escape Group F, a huge surprise given the talent on that roster. And it was a surprise group winner, Morocco, that earned the hearts of neutral observers around the world, at least until Japan shook things up later in the day.
Nothing is guaranteed at the World Cup. For the second straight tournament, Germany learned that lesson the hard way.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Thursday's Results and Round-of-16 Schedule
Dec 1, 2022
Morocco's defender #20 Achraf Dari (L) and Morocco's defender #18 Jawad El Yamiq celebrate winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F football match between Canada and Morocco at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on December 1, 2022, to advance to the round of 16. (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)
Another day of chaotic finishes captured our attention at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.
Germany was eliminated at the group stage for the second straight tournament despite beating Costa Rica 4-2.
Germany needed a victory and for Spain to defeat Japan in the other game in Group E in order to qualify, but the Samurai Blue won 2-1 over La Roja.
Japan used a second-half comeback against a European giant for the second time this tournament to help earn its place atop Group E. Spain went through as the second-place team.
Japan was the second team to confirm a surprising group victory on the day. In Group F, Morocco's 2-1 win over Canada saw it finish in first place.
A goalless draw between Croatia and Belgium allowed the former to move on in second place. That set up a round-of-16 showdown with Japan.
Morocco thought it would have an easier opponent in the round of 16 as the group winner, but instead, it will face Spain in the next round.
Group E
1. Japan - 6 points
2. Spain - 4 (advanced on goal differential)
3. Germany - 4
4. Costa Rica - 3
Thursday's Scores
Japan 2, Spain 1
Germany 4, Costa Rica 2
Japan followed the same script to beat Spain as it did to defeat Germany in Group E.
The Samurai Blue went 1-0 down in the first half after an Álvaro Morata goal. The 30-year-old scored in every group game for Spain.
As in the win over Germany, Japan used some half-time adjustments to score two goals in quick succession. Ritsu Doan scored the equalizer in the 48th minute versus Spain, just like he did in the 75th minute against Germany.
Japan went ahead in the match three minutes later, when Ao Tanaka finished from close range. The goal had some controversy with it, as the ball appeared to go over the end line before a cross was played into Tanaka.
Spain was unable to pull back an equalizer in the second half, but it still went through on goal differential thanks to its seven-goal outburst in the opener against Costa Rica.
Germany had a gargantuan task on its hands in the second half vs. Costa Rica once Japan went ahead, as it had to make up an eight-goal gap on goal difference to have any hope of progressing.
Germany scored early through Serge Gnabry, but that was the only goal it managed in the opening half.
Costa Rica went ahead through two goals in the 58th and 70th minutes, and for a few minutes, the Ticos were on their way to the round of 16.
COSTA RICA TAKES THE LEAD 🇨🇷
As it stands, Costa Rica is moving on to the knockout stage and both Spain and Germany are eliminated! pic.twitter.com/YY1uYb40jm
The three-goal flurry in the second half did not mean anything to Germany because it was still so far behind on goal differential compared to Spain, who went through with a five-goal edge. La Roja will play Morocco, while Japan gets Croatia in the round of 16.
Group F
1. Morocco - 7
2. Croatia - 5
3. Belgium - 4
4. Canada - 0
Thursday's Scores
Morocco 2, Canada 1
Croatia 0, Belgium 0
Group F produced the most stunning table order of any of the six completed four-team pods.
Morocco became the first team this century from Africa to finish in first place in a World Cup group.
The Atlas Lions surged in front of Canada thanks to a goal each from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Ziyech took advantage of a poor passing sequence from the Canadian defense to open the scoring in the fourth minute. En-Nesyri flew down the right side of the box to coolly finish past Milan Borjan in the 23rd minute.
Canada pulled a goal back in the 40th minute, as Sam Adekugbe's cross took a deflection and rolled in for an own goal.
Canada pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but it was unable to earn its first point in Qatar. Canada and the host nation are the only two teams not to earn a point in the group stage.
While Morocco was busy wrapping up first place in Group F, Croatia and Belgium were fighting for the second advancement spot.
Croatia had a goal disallowed because of offside and a penalty-kick decision reversed by the video review system in the first half.
Belgium took control of the match in the second half once Romelu Lukaku stepped on the field. Lukaku had countless opportunities to find the back of the net, but he was unable to convert on any chance, and that led to Belgium being knocked out with a third-place finish.
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runner-up, advanced with a second-place finish and only conceded one goal in the process. Croatia will be tough for Japan to break down in the round of 16 in what should be a close match.
Round of 16 Schedule
Saturday
Netherlands vs. United States (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
Argentina vs. Australia (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Sunday
France vs. Poland (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
England vs. Senegal (2 p.m. ET, FS1)
Monday
Japan vs. Croatia (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
Group G winner vs. Group H second place (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Tuesday
Morocco vs. Spain (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
Group H winner vs. Group G second place (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Germany needs a victory over Costa Rica on Thursday to stay alive at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Germany is facing group-stage elimination for the second straight...
World Cup 2022 Groups Table: Predicting the Knockout Bracket
Nov 27, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Kylian Mbappe of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Denmark at Stadium 974 on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Thirty of the 32 teams entered in the 2022 FIFA World Cup are still alive to advance to the knockout round.
The permutations are easier for some squads to advance to the round of 16, and only France has officially confirmed its spot in the knockout round.
Qatar and Canada are the two officially eliminated squads. That number could inflate after Monday's games in Groups G and H depending on the results in those four matches.
A handful of squads, including the United States men's national team, face win-and-in situations on their final group matchdays.
Other teams, like Germany, need wins and some help in potentially lopsided matchups to keep their World Cup hopes alive for at least a few more days.
Round of 16 Predictions
Netherlands (Group A winner) vs. United States (Group B runner-up)
Argentina (Group C winner) vs. Denmark (Group D runner-up)
Spain (Group E winner) vs. Morocco (Group F runner-up)
Brazil (Group G winner) vs. Portugal (Group H runner-up)
England (Group B winner) vs. Ecuador (Group A runner-up)
France (Group D winner) vs. Poland (Group C runner-up)
Croatia (Group F winner) vs. Germany (Group E runner-up)
Uruguay (Group H winner) vs. Switzerland (Group G runner-up)
Group A
1. Netherlands - 4 points (+2 goal differential)
2. Ecuador - 4 (+2)
3. Senegal - 3 (0)
4. Qatar - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament.
The Netherlands should confirm themselves as Group A winner on Tuesday with a win over Qatar.
The Dutch should outclass the host nation with ease. Qatar was eliminated from advancing to the knockout round after the second matchday. The Qataris have not had enough quality to deal with Ecuador and Senegal, and the same can be said about their matchup with the Dutch.
Most of the Group A attention Tuesday will be on Ecuador and Senegal inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador has a one-point advantage over Senegal, and its defense could be massive in that match. La Tri conceded once in Qatar. The concession to the Dutch was the first goal allowed in eight matches for the South American side.
Senegal's back line has been more open lately, as it has one clean sheet in the last seven games.
Ecuador only needs a draw to advance, and even if it wins, it will likely not match the Netherlands' goal output against Qatar.
Group B
1. England - 4 (+4)
2. Iran - 3 (-2)
3. United States - 2 (0)
4. Wales - 1 (-2)
The United States needs a win over Iran to advance out of Group B. Any other result would not allow them to leap over Iran in the standings.
The Americans played three solid halves in the first two games, and they need to have more punch in the final third to beat an Iran side that has a negative goal differential from its 6-2 loss to England.
England should beat the Welsh in a match of regional rivals. Wales will be without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off late in the second half against Iran.
Wales looked the worst of the four Group B sides through two matches, and it may be hard for the Welsh to compete with the England, especially a result needed for the Three Lions to advance in first place.
England has extra motivation to finish in first place because that would allow it to avoid a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.
Group C
1. Poland - 4 (+2)
2. Argentina - 3 (+1)
3. Saudi Arabia - 3 (-1)
4. Mexico - 1 (-2)
The Argentina-Poland match will determine the fate of Group C.
Argentina looked relieved after beating Mexico on Saturday, and that help the Albiceleste play with more energy and less stress against Poland.
The South American side should be favored against Poland and a win gets it into the knockout round, and more importantly, it will avoid France in the round of 16.
Poland can still get through to the knockout round with a loss. A Mexico-Saudi Arabia draw allows that to happen.
Mexico will be playing for pride and an outside chance to land a spot in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia struggled to create offense against Poland after beating Argentina in its opener.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be Poland's best friend on Wednesday. If he keeps Saudi Arabia out, Mexico scores one or two goals and Poland loses by just one goal, Poland will go through on goal differential.
Group D
1. France - 6 (+4)
2. Australia - 3 (-2)
3. Denmark - 1 (-1)
4. Tunisia - 1 (-1)
France is assumed to be the Group D winner.
The reigning World Cup champion has two wins from two games, and it should beat Tunisia, even if it rotates some of its squad to stay fresh for the knockout round.
Denmark should be the favored side against Australia. The Danes resided in the same situation at UEFA Euro 2020 and won. They went on to reach the semifinals of that tournament.
Denmark needs a win to leap over Australia, while the Aussies just need a draw from that match to advance.
Tunisia is still alive, but a win over France seems very unlikely with the form that Kylian Mbappé is in. Mbappé is tied for the Golden Boot lead with three goals.
Group E
1. Spain - 4 (+7)
2. Japan - 3 (0)
3. Costa Rica - 3 (-6)
4. Germany - 1 (-1)
All four teams are still alive in Group E.
Germany needs a win over Costa Rica and a bit of help to avoid a second straight group-stage exit.
Costa Rica gained an edge on Germany with a win over Japan on Sunday, but the Ticos could still be outclassed by a roster full of Bayern Munich stars.
Spain's formula to win the group is simple. La Roja needs to beat Japan to finish in first place. A draw combined with a Germany win allows the Spanish to get into the round of 16 in first as well.
Japan beat Germany and then went into a conservative strategy against Costa Rica that cost it that result. Japan could now be on the brink of elimination given how strong Spain is playing.
Group F
1. Croatia - 4 (+3)
2. Morocco - 4 (+2)
3. Belgium - 3 (-1)
4. Canada - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament
Croatia and Morocco have the clear advantages going into the final day of play in Group F.
Croatia's attack woke up against Canada to put it on top of the group ahead of Morocco on goal differential.
Belgium has been one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament, and it faces an uphill climb to get out of third place since it plays Croatia.
Croatia outperformed Belgium over 180 minutes of play, and it is expected to at least get a point out of the meeting of 2018 World Cup semifinalists.
Canada's defense allowed numerous wide-open chances to Croatia, and that could once again be its downfall against Morocco. The second-place team in Group F could be the only African side in the knockout round.
Group G
1. Brazil - 3 (+2)
2. Switzerland - 3 (+1)
3. Cameroon - 0 (-1)
4. Serbia - 0 (-2)
Group G is one of two groups with two matches left to play.
Brazil should be fine without Neymar because Richarlison is in some of the best form of any player on the international level. Richarlison scored twice in the opener against Serbia.
The Selecao take on Switzerland on Monday for first place in the group. That could allow Serbia or Cameroon to sneak into second place with a victory in their contest Monday.
Serbia sits at the biggest disadvantage because it conceded twice against Brazil. The European side could make up that gap with a win over Cameroon before it faces Switzerland in the group finale.
Brazil looked like the strongest squad in the first set of matches, and it is the favorite to win Group G until proved otherwise.
Group H
1. Portugal - 3 (+1)
2. Uruguay - 1 (0)
3. South Korea - 1 (0)
4. Ghana - 0 (-1)
Portugal and Uruguay find themselves in the same situation in Group H as Brazil and Switzerland in Group G.
They are perceived as the top two teams in Group H and either side can gain separation on top of the group Monday.
Portugal scored three goals, but it also conceded on two occasions to Ghana. Uruguay had the stronger defensive performance with a clean sheet in a scoreless draw versus South Korea.
Uruguay's defense could hold up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. and its attack, led by Darwin Núñez and Luis Suárez, could take advantage of a Portuguese defense that was opened up in the second half by Ghana.
World Cup Groups 2022: Odds, Group of Death and Most Exciting Matchups
Nov 20, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Neymar (Brazil 10) during the international friendly between Brazil and Tunisia at Parc des Princes on September 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
The FIFA men's World Cup starts Sunday, kicking off the first-ever iteration of the competition in the fall.
Qatar will host the tournament, which will feature 32 teams split into eight groups of four. Those quartets will undergo a round-robin schedule within their groups, and the top two teams in each will advance to the 16-team knockout round.
As is the case every year, there are "Groups of Death" in the tournament. Some quartets appear far more competitive than others on paper, either because the group is deep or because of numerous heavyweights getting drawn together.
This year, three groups stand out over the others. Here's a look at that trio as the World Cup nears.
Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales
Group B is the only group that features four teams in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. England is fifth, followed by the United States (16th), Wales (19th) and Iran (20th).
Per DraftKings Sportsbook, England is the overwhelming favorite to win the group at -280 ($280 bet to win $100), followed by Wales and the United States (+500 each; bet $100 to win $500) and Iran (+1600).
Led by Harry Kane, who scored 12 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches, England should (in theory) roll to the top of the group. That was the thought in 2010, when England was matched with Slovenia, the United States and Algeria.
However, England scratched and survived just to advance after a win and two draws, one of which was a 1-1 game against the U.S.
The two sides will face off yet again this year, with the game coming on Black Friday. For the U.S., it could be do-or-die if they lose their opener to Wales. For England, it could be win-and-in if the favorites handle business versus Iran. Regardless of the circumstances, that's the match to watch in Group B as a trio of teams look to knock off the world power that is the Three Lions.
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Two of the six teams on the top of the DraftKings Sportsbook World Cup odds ledger reside in Group E. Spain is there at +850, while Germany sits at +1000.
Those two teams are the clear favorites to advance. Their matchup in the group stage is the one to watch here.
Don't sleep on Costa Rica and Japan, though.
Costa Rica caught fire near the end of its World Cup qualifying round thanks to four wins and a draw in its last five matches. They beat New Zealand in the World Cup playoff to advance.
Japan could be a dangerous side in this tournament thanks to the dynamic duo of Takumi Minamino and Yuya Osako, who scored 10 goals each during World Cup qualifying.
Both teams have tall tasks ahead of them against the European powers, but chaos has happened before in the group stage and could well happen again.
Group G: Brazil, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland
Brazil is the clear World Cup favorite. DraftKings Sportsbook lists them as +350 to win it all atop the 32-team list.
FIFA's No. 1 team features one of the game's top all-time players in Neymar, who features on a talented roster including English Premier League attackers Richarlison, Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
It won't be a cakewalk for to the top of the group for Brazil (-300 odds to win the group), however. Switzerland (+550), Serbia (+650) and Cameroon (+1200) are all quite capable of advancing to the knockout round.
Switzerland only allowed two goals over eight qualifying matches en route to finishing 5-3-0 for 18 points to top Group C. Serbia also won its group, besting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal by three points. The matchup between these two could determine one of the two knockout spots in this group.
Cameroon is the underdog of this group, but that was also the case in 1990 when the Indomitable Lions made a sensational run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. They haven't been able to get out of the group stage since, but they sport a deep roster capable of advancing to the knockout round.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup draw produced an easy path to the knockout round for some of the world's top teams, but others will be forced to grind out results at...
Jurgen Klinsmann has said he is excited by the prospect of Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane pairing up to play for Germany.
Gnabry, 24, netted a hat-trick against Northern Ireland in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying on Tuesday to enhance his already impressive international goalscoring record:
Serge Gnabry has scored his second hat-trick for Germany,
Manchester City's Sane, 23, is sidelined with a serious knee injury, but manager Pep Guardiola is expecting him to return to action in the new year:
Guardiola on Sane: "He is coming back before the end of the season - December, January, maybe February could be perfect. The surgery was good. He came back two days ago. Hopefully he can be back soon" #MCFC
As such, he and Bayern Munich star Gnabry could be Germany's key attacking threats at next summer's Euros. And former Germany boss Klinsmann believes they could be a devastating duo, per Goal: "We have with Serge Gnabry, who has a gigantic year behind him. And with Leroy Sane two mega-offensive forces that would tear everyone [apart]."
Germany's 6-1 victory over Northern Ireland ensured they beat Netherlands to top spot in Group C.
Manager Joachim Low has downplayed Germany's prospects at Euro 2020, saying they "are not among the favourites." He picked out France, England, Netherlands and Spain as more likely winners for the tournament.
However, based on recent displays, particularly Tuesday's demolition of Northern Ireland, Die Mannschaft will be a threat.
Germany have a remarkable recent record at the Euros. They finished runners-up in 2008 and made the semi-finals in both 2012 and 2016.
Given the depth of talent they have in their squad, it would be no surprise to see them go deep again next summer.
Serge Gnabry's Hat Trick Lifts Germany Past Northern Ireland in Euro Qualifier
Nov 19, 2019
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 19: Paddy Mc Nair of North Ireland and Serge Gnabry of Germany battle for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between Germany and Northern Ireland at Commerzbank Arena on November 19, 2019 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Germany secured top spot in Group C of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying with a 6-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Frankfurt on Tuesday.
Michael Smith opened the scoring early for the visitors, but Serge Gnabry equalised soon after and Leon Goretzka put Germany ahead just before the break .
Gnabry put the game out of sight as he completed his hat-trick with two second-half goals before Goretzka's second and Julian Brandt's late strike confirmed Germany topped the pool despite the Netherlands' comfortable win over Estonia.
Northern Ireland's hopes of qualifying via Group C were ended by Saturday's 0-0 draw with the Dutch. But Michael O'Neill's side will have another chance in March's play-offs.
The response from Germany was almost immediate when Gnabry forced a superb close-range save from Bailey Peacock-Farrell before Ilkay Gunodgan headed against the post in the 12th minute.
Five minutes later, Gnabry did equalise. Jonas Hector cut the ball into the box, Gnabry took a touch with his left foot, swivelled 12 yards from goal, and hammered home with his right.
Ireland responded well, and their spirited defence looked set to get them to the break with the scores level until they lost concentration in the dying stages of the first half.
The enterprising Hector delivered another ball across the box in the 44th minute, and after it was missed by Gnabry and two Irish defenders, Goretzka bundled home from six yards.
Germany's midfielder Leon Goretzka celebrates scoring the 5-1 with his team-mates during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group C qualification football match Germany v Northern Ireland in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany on November 19, 2019. (Photo by Daniel ROLAN
Two minutes after the break, Germany effectively wrapped up the points.
Gnabry again received the ball in space in the box, took a touch, and buried his finish with consummate ease.
From there it was damage limitation for the visitors.
Toni Kroos forced another fine save from Peacock-Farrell and Gnabry headed a brilliant chance wide.
But the 24-year-old atoned just after the hour when he secured his hat-trick, out-muscling Tom Flanagan and scoring from a tight angle after a pinpoint through-ball from Brandt:
Serge Gnabry has scored his second hat-trick for Germany,
Goretzka got his second 18 minutes from time with a nonchalant finish from the edge of the box. And Brandt completed the rout with a powerful strike in stoppage time after he beat the offside trap.
