German substitute Oliver Bierhoff destroyed Northern Ireland's World Cup dream with a five-minute hat-trick after Bryan Hamilton's men had threatened to continue their amazing record against the European champions. And when Michael Hughes scored a wonderful opener after 59 minutes that run seemed set to continue until Bierhoff arrived to show just why the Germans have lost just one World Cup qualifier in 51 and none away from home.
Blackpool striker James Quinn (22) winning his ninth cap gave the vastly-experienced Jurgen Kohler plenty to worry about as the Irish opened with a confidence that would have delighted their manager.
Little had been seen of the visitors, but they showed their cunning when Mario Basler's towering cross fell perfectly for Alf Kirsten, only for last season's 22goal Bundesliga top-scorer to toepoke wide from close range.
Germany were unable to settle, though, and when Michael Hughes fired in a low cross, there was little conviction in Thomas Helmer's misdirected clearance. However, Neil Lennon's follow-up was wastefully high.
The opening seemed to breathe life into the Germans and it took a brave block by Grimsby keeper Aidan Davison to keep out the Sampdoria striker.
Northern Ireland defended with skill and the Germans began to show signs of frustration, Basler being booked for hacking down Quinn.
In the second half Klinsmann was narrowly wide with a shot, Moller volleyed over and the unlucky Kirsten could not believe it when he finally beat Davison with an expert finish, only for Spanish referee Enicar Jose Garcia-Aranda to rule that the German had fouled Colin Hill to create the chance.
Northern Ireland, sensing it was now or never, tried desperately to respond to the challenge. Quinn, fed by Jim Magilton, peeled off his marker before piercing the German defence with a wonderfully weighted pass that Hughes took in his stride before whipping the ball over the out-rushing Kopke.
Vogts immediately sent on Hassler and Bierhoff. It was to prove a masterstroke and within three minutes of Bierhoff's arrival Germany were level.
Hassler found time and space down the right and his whipped cross was met by an expert Bierhoff finish.
The same two players linked up again after 76 minutes, when Hassler drew a posse of defenders across to him and then slipped the ball square for Bierhoff to drive unopposed under the unprotected Davison. Another right-flank cross a minute later from Hassler again found Bierhoff who scored his third.
Northern Ireland: Davison, Nolan, Morrow, Hill, Taggart, Magilton, Gillespie (McMahon 78), Lennon (Griffin 82), Quinn, Horlock, Hughes. Subs Not Used: Carroll, Gray, Jenkins, McGibbon, Mulryne. Booked: Hughes. Goals: Hughes 59.
Germany: Kopke, Woerns (Hassler 63), Heiniich, Kohler, Helmer, Ziege, Moller, Nowotny, Klinsmann, Basler (Babbel 83), Kirsten (Bierhoff 69). Subs Not Used: Kahn, Wosz, Bobic, Ricken. Booked: Heiniich. Goals: Bierhoff 72, 76, 77.
Referee: Encinar Jose Garcia (Spain).
