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Northern Ireland succumbed to a 3-1 defeat by Germany on Saturday night as two Reds went head to head in Cologne.
Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley may be teammates at Anfield, but they were on opposite sides during the World Cup qualifier, and it was the former who came out on top, scoring a sensational free-kick to help seal a win.
Northern Ireland was the clear underdog going into the game, despite Germany's recent struggles, and the team gave a good account of itself in defeat. Liverpool defender Bradley was tasked with playing at right wing-back, and received praise for his performance from Northern Ireland-based reporters.
Belfast Live handed Bradley a seven out of 10 in its player ratings, saying he produced an "energetic display," while the Belfast Telegraph awarded the youngster an eight ouf ot 10, saying: "Like his comrades, was expected to perform a deeper role against better opponents. Needed treatment for facial injury.
"Was part of disciplined defense in first half, made some big tackles and eventually booked for challenge on Gross."
Bradley was disappointed with the defeat as he felt as though the team deserved to take something from the game.
“We’re disappointed,” said Bradley. “They are a good team but I thought we played well on the night, especially in the first half, and I’m disappointed because I thought we should have got more than that.
“I don’t think they were overly great on the night. I don’t think we lost because they were brilliant. I thought we lost because obviously the goals weren’t great that we conceded.”
Wirtz's stunning free-kick rubber-stamped Die Mannschaft's victory, and while Bradley recognized the quality on show from his club teammate, he didn't believe the free-kick should have been awarded in the first place.
“The third one was a brilliant free-kick by Flo,” he admitted. “But I don’t think it was a free-kick.
"So, it’s disappointing but we will see them in Belfast in a month’s time.”
The goal will no doubt be a welcome boost to Wirtz's confidence after a few weeks during which he has been firmly under the spotlight.
Wirtz's transfer fee was always going to mean that he would be scrutinized at Liverpool, particularly during the early weeks of his Reds career.
Despite his great goal against Northern Ireland, the quality of Wirtz's overall display on the night was questioned by some German media outlets, with one even suggesting he had forgotten the joy of playing soccer.
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