Nico Schulz scored a last-minute winner as Germany gained revenge over the Netherlands with a thrilling Euro 2020 qualifying victory in Amsterdam.
The Dutch reached the Nations League finals by scoring twice in the final five minutes in November, relegating Germany to Group B in the process.
They hit back from 2-0 behind again through Matthijs de Ligt’s header and Memphis Depay’s drilled finish in the second period.
Leroy Sane had confidently slotted in the opener following De Ligt’s slip and Serge Gnabry curled in a superb second for the visitors, before midfielder Schulz stroked in late on.
Northern Ireland capitalised by beating Belarus 2-1 at Windsor Park to win their opening two games and top Group C.
Ronald Koeman’s side, who have also played twice, drop to third place following their agonising loss against Germany, who have only played once.
Encouragement for Germany as new era begins
Germany is looking to herald in a new era after a shock group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup, dispensing with the services of experienced Bayern Munich trio Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels earlier this month.
They were booed off by their own fans after Wednesday’s 1-1 friendly drawagainst Serbia in Wolfsburg and it was looking like being another poor result, but Schulz’s goal gave them just their second victory in their past eight competitive games.
They were much the better team in the first half, scoring twice including ex-Arsenal winger Gnabry’s sublime strike, and Manchester City’s Sane and defender Thilo Kehrer saw efforts well saved by Jasper Cillessen.
The Netherlands have struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for Euro 2016 and last summer’s World Cup, and have improved since the appointment of ex-Southampton and Everton boss Koeman, but this was a setback.
Fulham winger Ryan Babel should have scored in the opening period but was twice denied by Manuel Neuer and despite getting back into the game, they were unable to hold on.
Home TeamNetherlandsAway Team Germany Possession Home54% Away46%, Shots Home16 Away 11, Shots on Target Home6 Away7 Corners Home9 Away1 Fouls Home15 Away10