Germany beat Ireland to book play-off berth
Friday, September 5, 2014
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Germany 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Philipp Hofmann and Jonas Hofmann scored after the interval to ensure Horst Hrubesch's men reached the play-offs as group winners.
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Germany sealed their place in the play-offs as Group 6 winners after a routine victory against the Republic of Ireland in Halle.
Horst Hrubesch's men were frustrated in a cagey first half but when Philipp Hofmann and Jonas Hofmann both scored in a four-minute spell after the interval, a five-point advantage on second-placed Romania with one game to play was assured.
Philipp Hofmann's opener arrived on 47 minutes as the 1. FC Kaiserslautern forward headed in Julian Korb's cross from close range and Germany put the contest to bed before Ireland could regain their composure. Half-time substitute Jonas Hofmann fired in the second after being teed up by Amin Younes, ensuring Noel King's men would finish fourth in the section.
Germany defender Maximillian Arnold said: "It was a difficult game. Ireland played well and I think after the two fast goals in the seccond half the game was on our side."
Germany complete the phase with a home game against Romania in Magdeburg before taking their place in the play-offs with the aim of reaching the 2015 finals in the Czech Republic.
