Overview

• After a 0:2 qualifying loss in Slovakia, sporting director Rudi Völler publicly backed Julian Nagelsmann and urged an energetic reaction against Northern Ireland on Sunday in Cologne.
• Nagelsmann said he will make personnel changes, confirmed Oliver Baumann as the starter in goal, and rejected suggestions he fears for his job.
• UEFA appointed Norwegian referee Espen Eskaas for Germany vs. Northern Ireland, a match the hosts need after dropping to last in Group A where only first place qualifies directly.
• Handball champions Füchse Berlin dismissed coach Jaron Siewert and sports director Stefan Kretzschmar, installed Nicolej Krickau, then lost 32:39 to SC Magdeburg as CEO Bob Hanning was booed by fans.
• In basketball, Álex Mumbrú returned to the sideline after illness as Germany beat Portugal 85:58 to secure a EuroBasket quarterfinal berth.