Florian Wirtz featured for just over an hour in Germany's 2-1 victory against Ghana on Monday, as Julian Nagelsmann's team triumphed in Stuttgart. The Liverpool ace has had a promising international break and shone in last week's thrilling 4-3 win over Switzerland.
Wirtz contributed two goals and two assists in the victory, capping off a remarkable performance. His display against Ghana garnered less attention in Germany, though there was recognition that space was limited and he still managed to create several opportunities.
Wirtz hit the post and had a goal disallowed for offside, as the Black Stars adopted a deep defensive line, partly to counter his creative prowess.
"The dream goal show from Basel almost continued immediately," the outlet reported. "After six minutes, he curled a free kick against the outside of the post. The attack was somewhat sluggish in the first half; when anything happened, it went through him. His dribbling was excellent, ultimately leading to the penalty."
German website T Online also awarded Wirtz a rating of two and wrote: "Once again the linchpin of the German game. Initiated the first chance with a superb through ball to (Kai) Havertz (4th minute).
"Hit a free kick against the outside of the post (6th minute). Wasn't afraid to put in some defensive work. Scored a goal, but it was disallowed (33rd minute). Showed off some fine dribbling skills on occasion."
Meanwhile, Munich publication Abendzeitung gave Wirtz a rating of three, noting: "After the Basel gala with two fantastic goals and two assists. Defensively challenged against Ghana, he covered a lot of ground. He scored decisively and powerfully after a pass from Woltemade – but was offside."
Germany clinched victory through goals from Havertz and Deniz Undav. For Ghana, Abdul Fatawu rounded off a slick move. Like all international teams, this is Germany's final fixture before Nagelsmann names his World Cup squad in the summer.
Die Mannschaft face friendlies against Finland and the United States ahead of the tournament, and will then take on Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stages.
Wirtz will undoubtedly be part of the German squad, barring any late injury, and has missed just three of the nation's last 38 international fixtures.
