Germany defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 on Sunday night after a poor defeat to Slovakia in the mid-week. After the Slovakia defeat, followers and fans of Die Mannschaft as Germany is often called, wanted to see some changes and more spirit in this game. However, the story did not change. Despite an early goal from Serge Gnabry, the Germans struggled against Northern Ireland. The crowd in Cologne were seemingly in no mood to tolerate the utter mediocrity of their home team and made their displeasure clear. The homeside were on the receiving end of loud boos from their own crowd as they made their way back to the dressing rooms at half-time.<\/p>\n
The German manager, Julian Nagelsmann however admitted that the boos were understandable and the team needs to do justice to the fans. After the game, Nagelsmann was apologetic but also hinted that such reactions do not help the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to show understanding for the fans. A ticket like that costs money, and they want to see a different kind of football. I can understand that. Nevertheless, I can also say that boos like that don\u2019t really help you move forward. I think if we do everything together, things usually work much better. But of course, I still understand if someone is unhappy. I almost booed [the team] in the dressing room on Thursday. That\u2019s just how it is sometimes,\u201d Nagelsmann said (as captured via @iMiaSanMia<\/a>).<\/p>\n The win against NI definitely improved the mood of the crowd as Germany not only ended their streak of losses but also the streak of losses at Cologne.<\/p>\n Wow\u2026Germany was on the ropes vs. Northern Ireland, but a strong second half effort helped Julian Nagelsmann\u2019s team pull away for a 3-1 victory.<\/p>\n It was ugly at times and desperate at others, but this was somehow a must win match for a squad that was absolutely reeling after getting stomped out by Slovakia earlier in the week. The Germans absolutely needed this victory and it could have been disastrous had things not turned around in the latter stages of the game.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get into it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works \u2014 Postgame Show:<\/p>\n