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Florian Wirtz provided two outstanding first-half assists as Germany booked its place at the 2026 World Cup in style.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team knew heading into the group decider against Slovakia that a defeat would see Germany lose its grip on first place and drop into the play-offs. A draw or win was needed to secure an automatic spot in North America next summer.
And three points never looked in doubt when the action got going. Germany amassed 70 percent possession and created eight shots on target in an outstanding first-half showing. Four of those were converted via Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane (2).
Wirtz provided the assists for both of Sane’s goals just before half-time.
The first was sublime, as Liverpool’s No. 7 played a quick one-two pass with Woltemade and then unleashed a long through ball from inside his own half that bypassed the entire Slovakia backline.
Sane latched onto it and then coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net at pace.
Five minutes later and Wirtz again teed up the former Manchester City man when he cut inside and floated a deft cross in toward the back post. Sane skillfully tapped it into the back of the net with an orthodox outside-of-the-foot finish.
But Wirtz’s showing underlined the level of performance Liverpool hoped it was purchasing when the Reds made the 22-year-old their record signing in July.
He has so far failed to live up to that potential, with just three assists in 16 appearances for Liverpool. Wirtz is yet to score for the club.
There have been signs of improvement recently, however, with the Champions League displays against Eintracht Frankfurt and Real Madrid undoubtedly his best yet in a red shirt.
He has faced an increasing media spotlight over recent weeks and has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot. Wirtz has started just two of the last five league matches.
Yet, Arne Slot will hope he returns to Liverpool with a spring in his step after the excellent display in Leipzig.
The Reds head coach will also be encouraged to see him performing so well from a left-wing position. Given Dominik Szoboszlai’s impressive form and the desire to start with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister at the base of midfield, Wirtz has often been deployed in the wide areas for Liverpool.
Both assists for Germany came with Wirtz moving inside on his preferred right foot, which Slot will hope to see in the coming weeks at club level.
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