Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has revealed that he was "fearing the worst" when Germany scored twice in the first 21 minutes on Thursday night.

The world champions eventually prevailed by a 3-1 scoreline in the World Cup qualifier in Belfast, a result which leaves Northern Ireland with work to do in order to seal a place in the playoffs.

However, O'Neill felt that his side deserved to register a respectful scoreline, one which ensured that their goal difference did not take a significant hit.

The 48-year-old told Sky Sports: "You fear the worst at 2-0 down but 3-0 would have been harsh. We deserved the goal at the end. The early goal made it difficult, it knocked us back and took us a while to get going.

"We got up to the ball better in the second half. If that was because of the change of shape, then that is my fault. Through players like Toni Kroos and Mats Hummels, it is difficult to get a touch on the ball.

"You are not going to get too many chance against Germany. You want them to miss and then net the ones we get. Conor Washington will feel he should have scored, it would have given a nice finish to the game.

"This was a bonus game for us, it could have gone to 4-0 or 5-0 but we kept out goal difference in a healthy state. It could easily have been obliterated."

Northern Ireland now travel to Norway for their final qualifying fixture on Sunday evening.