BELFAST, Oct 13 (Reuters) – Nick Woltemade's first international goal was enough to earn Germany a 1-0 win against a brave Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday, and keep his side top of their World Cup qualifying group. Northern Ireland had an early goal ruled out for offside before Woltemade scored from a corner, the ball going in off his shoulder, to give Germany a 31st-minute lead. The hosts gave it a real go in the second half, with German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann denying Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith and Callum Marshall, but the visitors held on under pressure for their third consecutive win. Germany are on nine points in Group A, ahead of Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 2-0, on goal difference. Northern Ireland are third on six points. Group winners qualify automatically while runners-up advance to the playoffs. (Reporting by Trevor Stynes Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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