Florian Wirtz booed in World Cup qualifier as Liverpool flop’s nightmare continues

Florian Wirtz was the subject of boos from Northern Ireland fans during Germany’s 1-0 win in Belfast on Monday night, as Liverpool midfielder failed to score or assist again

Florian Wirtz was met with boos during Germany’s 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland. The 22-year-old midfielder, who Liverpool signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in the summer, struggled to impress as Julian Nagelsmann’s squad scraped a win at Windsor Park on Monday night.

Nick Woltemade broke the stalemate half an hour into the game, latching onto a corner from David Raum with his shoulder. Despite Wirtz failing to score or assist, Die Mannschaft managed to maintain their lead and secure three vital points in the race for World Cup qualification.

Germany remain top of Group A with nine points from four matches, separated only by goal difference from Slovenia in second place. Martin O’Neil’s side, currently third with six points, could still qualify for next summer’s tournament in the United States, while Luxembourg sit rock bottom.

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Wirtz faced boos during the match against Northern Ireland. Just before the Video Assistant Referee disallowed a goal from Dan Ballard within the first quarter of an hour, the Liverpool midfielder nearly cleared the stand with a stray shot.

Then, in the second half, Wirtz further endeared himself to the crowd by throwing himself to the ground in the penalty area. However, he was not deemed to have been fouled, so Germany were not awarded a penalty.

Unsurprisingly, the theatrics didn’t sit well with the home supporters, and Wirtz was subjected to jeers each time he got on the ball. The Liverpool flop went down once more shortly after, this time just outside the penalty area.

He eventually earned a free-kick, offering his nation the opportunity to whip the ball into the danger zone. During stoppage time, Wirtz made way for Jonathan Burkardt.

The German has found it tough to make his mark since making the switch from the BayArena to Anfield in the summer. Wirtz has been unable to find the net or provide an assist in any of his opening nine games for Liverpool.

The midfielder would have been eager to break his goal drought whilst away on international duty, but he drew blanks against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Speaking to Sport 1 on Friday, Nagelsmann spoke about Wirtz’s current form.

“Even though he hasn’t scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,” said the Germany boss. “It’s not his fault if his team-mates don’t convert them, and the statistics don’t even tell the whole story.

“Wirtz needs to get used to the league. I saw him playing with total freedom. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work. He hasn’t always had it easy – he’ll have to work hard now too.”

Later, addressing journalists on Sunday, Nagelsmann added: “I think it’s the normal way when you go to a new club, to a new league, it’s not that easy at the beginning.

“He will adapt, I think, very quickly, and he will score goals for Liverpool and he will create a lot of chances. Probably he can score tomorrow and I will be very happy for him and for us.”

When questioned about whether he had spotted a change in Wirtz’s self-assurance, Nagelsmann continued: “I think the first time when we met after the summer period, it was kind of special for him because he was new at Liverpool and then in the first time in the national team [after his move].

“We had a long meeting and discussed the situation but now he’s the old Wirtz, a good mood, and I hope we will see him perform tomorrow evening very well.”

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