Germany needed a spark. Florian Wirtz delivered it in style.
The 22-year-old midfielder, fresh off a high-profile move to Liverpool, stepped up in Cologne and curled a free-kick into the top corner to seal a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying.
For a player who has faced questions after a slow start in England, this was a reminder that class rarely fades.
Germany had gone into the game under heavy pressure. A surprise loss to Slovakia days earlier had raised doubts about Julian Nagelsmann’s squad.
Northern Ireland then made things tense again when Isaac Price smashed home a superb volley to cancel out Serge Gnabry’s opener. The visitors even had the hosts rattled, forcing defensive mistakes and whistles from the German crowd.
Nadiem Amiri’s tap-in restored Germany’s lead midway through the second half.
But it was Wirtz’s strike just four minutes later that killed off the contest. With the score at 2-1, he lined up from distance, bent the ball over the wall, and left Bailey Peacock-Farrell with no chance. The goalkeeper, on his 50th cap, could only watch.
Video: Watch Florian Wirtz free-kick goal vs. Northern Ireland
“I said at the start of the trip if we go home with three points we’ve had a good trip, if we go home with more than that we’ve had a great trip,” Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill said. His side left with pride, but without points.
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Florian Wirtz stats vs. Northern Ireland
Florian Wirtz capped Germany’s 3-1 win over Northern Ireland with a superb 73rd-minute free-kick, finishing the night with two shots on target and three key passes created.
The 22-year-old also attempted four successful dribbles, showing his intent to drive the game forward. While his ground duel success rate stood at 47% and passing accuracy at 87%, those numbers reflected a willingness to take risks rather than play it safe.
Fans hoping for a turning point may look back at this free-kick as the night when Wirtz found his rhythm. And for Liverpool supporters, that’s music to the ears — though for Northern Ireland, it was a tune they would rather not have heard.
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