Florian Wirtz says there were many voices giving him advice before he stepped up to score his decisive free-kick as Germany beat Northern Ireland.
- Wirtz scores free-kick against Northern Ireland
- Dismissed opinions from the sidelines
- Says it was simply good
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Under immense pressure following their disastrous performance against Slovakia, the German national team desperately needed a win from Sunday's World Cup qualifying clash. With his side 2-1 up in the second half, Wirtz had the chance to put the game beyond doubt when he stepped up for a free-kick outside the visitors' box. The Liverpool player was met with a chorus of advice from his team-mates, but their words fell on deaf ears as he had already decided on the perfect approach.
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WHAT WIRTZ & NAGELSMANN SAID
Asked what captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates were telling him before his effort, Wirtz said to : "Honestly, I don't know. There were too many comments from the sidelines – various ideas. I knew I wanted to try it because the position was simply good. So I did it."
- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Germany took an early lead through Nick Woltemade, but were pinned back later in the first half when their opponents pulled level. In desperate need of a win, coach Julian Nagelsmann was relieved to see Wirtz wrap up the three points.
"He practices it often enough," he told . "He felt good – actually, even against Slovakia. He didn't shoot then. Unfortunately, he won't always score like that, but it was a superb goal—a good topspin free kick."
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- Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR GERMANY?
Germany are level on points with Northern Ireland but remain three behind Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 1-0. Germany will be in action again in October against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
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