Florian Wirtz scores after just 8 SECONDS to give Germany the lead against France… with the strike marking the Liverpool target’s first international goal
- Florian Wirtz scored his first international goal in the German match against France
- The Bayer Leverkusen star opened the scoring after just 8 seconds in Lyon
- Brazil in blue – you want to think about yellow and Pele and not think about Everton – Listen to the It all starts podcast
Germany took the lead in the friendly match with France thanks to a goal from Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
Nearly three years after announcing his retirement from international football, Toni Kroos returned to the starting line-up for his country at the Groupama Stadium.
Immediately after kick-off, the Real Madrid star played a high through ball towards an onrushing Wirtz, who began to drive forward.
After collecting the pass, Wirtz uncorked a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area, leaving France goalkeeper Brice Samba on his feet as the ball flew into the top corner.
The goal is Wirtz’s first at international level after making his senior debut for Germany in 2021.
Florian Wirtz wasted little time in opening his international account in Germany’s friendly against France
The Bayer Leverkusen star opened the scoring in Lyon after just eight seconds with a stunning finish
Wirtz’s performances with Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen saw the 20-year-old courted by several Premier League clubs.
In November, reports claimed that Liverpool had joined the race to sign him, with Manchester City and Chelsea also said to be interested in securing his signature.
Alonso previously compared the attacking midfielder to Lionel Messi, hinting at why so many top European clubs appear to be chasing him.
The former Liverpool midfielder said: ‘There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are fun, but not necessarily efficient.
‘Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to make simple passes. Messi says: “You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!”
‘It’s not always about the most brilliant move, but about the best and brightest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.’
