Florian Wirtz doubts evident in Germany manager's huge call before World Cup disaster

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Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s lack of confidence in Florian Wirtz took center stage when the Liverpool star was subbed off before penalties in Monday’s World Cup matchFlorian Wirtz was subbed off in the 109th minute of Germany's loss to Paraguay in the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s doubts in Florian Wirtz were on full display when the Liverpool star was subbed off moments before disaster during Monday’s World Cup match.In the Round of 32 clash, Paraguay secured its first-ever World Cup knockout victory, defeating Germany 4–3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1–1 following extra time. The thrilling encounter ranked as the fourth-biggest upset in World Cup knockout stage history based on FIFA rankings, with Paraguay sitting 37th compared to Germany's 12th place heading into the match.Despite turning in his best individual showing of the quadrennial tournament, Wirtz — who received a vote of confidence from Germany fans that spoke with Liverpool.com — was still taken off before penalties in the 109th minute.Germany certainly could’ve used him during the sudden-death shootout, as both Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade failed to convert from the spot.

Four-time champions Germany quickly responded with an equalizer just 12 minutes later, as Havertz converted Wirtz's near-post delivery with a header to level the score at 1-1.With the score still tied in the 101st minute, Tah rose perfectly at the back post to head home what appeared to be the winning goal.However, a VAR review ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil as the corner entered the box, disallowing the goal.Wirtz finished with a team-high four chances created during Germany's loss to Paraguay(Image: Getty Images)Once the dust had finally settled on Germany’s gut-wrenching defeat, Wirtz finished with one assist, five ball recoveries, three passes into the final third, and a team-high four chances created while going 2-for-2 on long balls and 5-for-10 on crosses.Yet Wirtz failed to deliver the signature performance that German faithful were expecting from him for much of this year’s World Cup. Over three starts in the group stage, he managed just one assist and no goals.While Nagelsmann acknowledged that Wirtz was missing "that game-changer," he expressed confidence “that will come, for sure."It appears as though that hope dwindled by the end of Monday’s match, given that Nagelsmann felt more comfortable sacrificing Wirtz before the shootout.Speaking to reporters during a post-match press conference, Nagelsmann did not mince words while assessing his side’s performance.

There are a few things we need to address in the future.“We don't have many left-backs available. Not many players in the German Bundesliga who have these profiles.“After the first goal conceded we realized we were not dominant enough.