Image Credits: Imago Images
Germany’s World Cup exit at the hands of Paraguay has already been picked over from every angle, and one of the key talking points has been the performance of Florian Wirtz.
The Liverpool No.7 started on the left of Julian Nagelsmann’s attack in Boston and, like the rest of the team, took a while to get going as Germany fell behind to a Julio Enciso header late in the first half.
After the break, though, Wirtz grew into the game and produced the kind of quality that supporters have been expecting, whipping in the cross that Kai Havertz glanced into the far corner to make it 1-1 and briefly tilt the Round of 32 tie back in Germany’s favour.
From there, the pattern of the night was familiar: Germany pushing, Paraguay hanging on and threatening on the counter.
Wirtz continued to be one of Germany’s brighter outlets, delivering several dangerous balls from the left and drifting inside to link play, but Nagelsmann still chose to take him off deep into extra-time as the game headed inexorably toward penalties.
With Wirtz watching from the bench, Germany saw Jonathan Tah’s extra-time header ruled out by VAR and then crashed out 4-3 in the shootout as Havertz, Tah and Nick Woltemade all failed to convert from the spot.
SPOX gave the Liverpool No.7 a 4/10 and wrote:
“After a far too high long-range shot in minute 8, completely uninspired for a long time. Unfortunate that Wirtz couldn’t get to the ball after Neuer’s fist save before the 0:1. However, Wirtz then set up Havertz’s equaliser with a strong cross. Grade: 4.”
Abendzeitung-Muenchen likewise gave Wirtz a 4 rating and said
“Gets off to a good start, dares to do so from a distance, but the first attempt lands on the third floor (8th). As a result, they were also cut off from the action. Lennart Karl, please get in touch! Allowed to stay on the sofa when Wirtz sets up Havertz’s 1-1.”
As the inquest begins, the spotlight has quickly shifted from individual performances to the bigger picture.
Nagelsmann’s future is under heavy scrutiny and, inevitably, one name keeps cropping up: Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp was actually asked on MagentaTV whether he could take over from Nagelsmann after the World Cup, saying:
“I haven’t thought about that yet. I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it’s not the time to talk about that.”
Whether that stance softens in the months ahead remains to be seen.