German media react to Florian Wirtz performance vs Northern Ireland

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Image Credits: Imago Images

Germany and Florian Wirtz bounced back from their shocking Slovakia defeat with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying at the Rhein Energie Stadion in Cologne on Sunday evening.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side took an early lead through Serge Gnabry’s delightful seventh-minute chip after being played through by Nick Woltemade.

However, Northern Ireland responded brilliantly with Isaac Price’s stunning 34th-minute volley from Justin Devenny’s corner, sending the teams level at halftime.

The German crowd expressed their frustration with boos as the hosts struggled to break down a resilient Northern Irish defence that employed effective long-ball tactics.

The breakthrough came in a dramatic three-minute spell during the second half.

Substitute Nadiem Amiri capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home from close range in the 69th minute, before Florian Wirtz sealed the victory with a spectacular curled free-kick into the top corner just three minutes later.

The victory was crucial for Nagelsmann, whose team had suffered three consecutive defeats and faced mounting pressure from the German media.

Germany now sit third in Group A with three points, level with Northern Ireland but behind Slovakia who lead with six points.

Despite Wirtz’s excellent freekick, it seems that the German media still had some things to say.

Sport.De gave the Liverpool man a 3/5 and strangely enough still had some holes to poke despite Wirtz’s goal:

“While much was on the move, it lacked the last lightness for a long time.

Had his one ingenious moment at the free kick gate at the 3:1, otherwise often rather hapless.”

Meanwhile, Ran.De gave Florian Wirtz at 2/5 and wrote:

The new Liverpooler is always playable and tries a lot, but cannot play a decisive role for a long time.

Only dive after 67 minutes, when he goes through Kimmich’s original and only fails very briefly from Peacock-Farrell.”

“Is suddenly back in the game afterwards and provides the acclaimed 3:1 (72.) with a dream free kick from 20 meters.”

Speaking post-match, Wirtz said of the performance

“We all know that the last game was a disaster?