Alan Shearer pulls no punches in 'terrible' Florian Wirtz verdict after Germany World Cup exit
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Germany were knocked out of the World Cup by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, with Liverpool star Florian Wirtz coming in for criticism from Alan ShearerFlorian Wirtz cuts a frustrated figure(Image: ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)Florian Wirtz has faced intense criticism for his underwhelming display for Germany at the World Cup following their stunning exit at the hands of Paraguay in Boston.The Liverpool midfielder's showing was dissected by Alan Shearer, who identified the Reds star amongst others as players who fell short after Julian Nagelsmann's side were knocked out by their South American rivals.Paraguay, ranked 41st in FIFA's world rankings, opened the scoring through Julio Enciso in the opening period before Arsenal's Kai Havertz nodded home from Wirtz's inviting cross for Germany. Wirtz has had a terrible season at Liverpool, he hasn't performed again at this World Cup."So it's alright saying they've got the quality, but the quality wasn't there.
We've seen them put seven past Curacao, well that's alright - but when it really mattered, the quality wasn't there at all."Germany players were in a state of shock after their World Cup exit(Image: VCG via Getty Images)When Micah Richards pointed out to Shearer that Wirtz's move to Liverpool is testament to the fact he "has got the quality", Shearer fired back: "What's he done this season?" Richards countered: "He's a superstar. We've not seen the best of him, totally agree with that, but we can't say he's not a good player."Havertz has scored in Champions League finals [in 2021 and 2026].
But we can't say this German team hasn't got quality."It marks the first occasion in history that Germany have been knocked out on penalties at a World Cup and their first spot-kick defeat at international level since 1976. I don't think everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on and continuing as manager of the team.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.