Amiri: Man with Afghan roots who helped Germany win in qualifiers

World Cup qualifier victory over Northern Ireland was important for Germany, but for the 28-year-old, it meant something more

- BY SHAMSEER MOHAMMED

When 28-year-old Nadiem Amiri stepped onto the pitch in the 61st minute against Northern Ireland, few could have predicted what would follow. Eight minutes later, the midfielder was wheeling away in celebration, having scored his first goal for Germany in a comeback that was nearly five years in the making.

The 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory was important for Germany, but for Amiri, it meant something more. This was vindication after a challenging journey that began with his parents' escape from Afghanistan during a period of intense political tension in the 1980s.