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Liverpool’s players enjoyed a good night of international action on Monday, with four members of Arne Slot’s Reds squad involved in World Cup qualifiers.
Northern Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands all won their final group games, with the latter pair securing their places in next summer’s tournament as a result.
The performance of the night was undoubtedly Germany, who battered Slovakia 6-0 in its decisive encounter. A defeat would have seen the Slovaks top Group A. Instead, an outstanding display from Julian Nagelsmann’s team ensured it will avoid the play-offs. Florian Wirtz was at the center of that success, with two outstanding assists - and that's where we start.
Florian Wirtz
The first assist was magnificent as he picked out Leroy Sane with a long ball from inside his own half, before the ex-Manchester City star coolly finished into the back of the net.
Sane was again the benefactor of an excellent Wirtz pass five minutes later as the winger tapped in from a perfectly weighted ball to the back post.
The 6-0 win was a much-needed boost for Germany to conclude what has been a mixed qualification campaign.
Netherlands trio
The Netherlands also guaranteed its spot at the World Cup next summer with an impressive 4-0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam.
Virgil van Dijk played the full 90 minutes at the heart of defense, while Cody Gakpo got his name on the scoresheet during his 78-minute showing.
The Liverpool winger netted from the penalty spot in the second half and also set up Xavi Simons’goal two minutes later.
The Dutch had been all but assured of a place at the World Cup given its significantly better goal difference over second-place Poland, but Monday’s win rubber stamps that achievement.
Ryan Gravnberch was an unused substitute for the game, something Ronald Koeman had hinted at beforehand.
Conor Bradley
As for Conor Bradley and Northern Ireland, it finished the campaign with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg.
Michael O’Neill’s side already knew it would finish second in the group regardless of the score in Belfast, but the result sets it up nicely for the play-offs in March.
Given the concern over players collecting suspension-triggering bookings, several missed out against Luxembourg. But Bradley started and captained the side before being replaced at the interval.
It’s unclear if this was due to an injury, and O’Neill will no doubt provide an update after the game.
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