Florian Wirtz raises World Cup hopes as German media reacts to player of the match display
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesFlorian WirtzFlorian Wirtz delivered a man-of-the-match performance for Germany against Switzerland, contributing to all four goals in the 4-3 World Cup preparation winThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFlorian Wirtz was Germany's match-winner against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)Florian Wirtz received glowing praise from the German media following his man-of-the-match display for his nation.
While it's been a challenging debut campaign for Wirtz at Liverpool after his switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, he has emerged as a key figure for Julian Nagelsmann's squad.Germany kicked off their World Cup preparations with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Switzerland in Basel and Wirtz was the match-winner. Wirtz put his team ahead for the first time on 61 minutes with what Bild dubbed a "goal of the month contender", a superb curling strike from the edge of the area that nestled in the top corner.After Switzerland levelled once more, Wirtz had the decisive say with another stunning effort on 85 minutes, which turned out to be the winner.
His second goal sealed the victory."Wirtz's display obscured an error-riddled German performance, with De Welt stating: "A superb performance from Florian Wirtz saved the national team from a bumpy start to the World Cup year in Basel, where their match was marred by errors."Referring to his difficulties for the Reds, the same publication added: "At least Wirtz, who had long seemed out of sorts in Liverpool, displayed a joy for the game, setting up the first two goals and crowning his performance with two stunning goals to make it 3-2 and 4-3."Florian Wirtz fires home Germany's fourth goal against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)Meanwhile, Sky Sports Germany praised: "The outstanding magician Florian Wirtz has raised great hopes for magical World Cup nights among the German national team" before noting that he had concealed the side's defensive vulnerabilities.The Bavarian Football Works website questioned, as it named Wirtz man of the match: "Was this award really ever in doubt? Wirtz yet again had a flawless performance for Germany."He single-handedly won this game for Die Mannschaft.