Florian Wirtz snubbed captain Joshua Kimmich & Germany coaches' advice to stun Julian Nagelsmann with 'superb' free-kick goal

Under immense pressure following their disastrous performance against Slovakia, the German national team desperately needed a win from Sunday's World Cup qualifying clash. With his side 2-1 up in the second half, Wirtz had the chance to put the game beyond doubt when he stepped up for a free-kick outside the visitors' box. The Liverpool player was met with a chorus of advice from his team-mates, but their words fell on deaf ears as he had already decided on the perfect approach.

Asked what captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates were telling him before his effort, Wirtz said to RTL: "Honestly, I don't know. There were too many comments from the sidelines - various ideas. I knew I wanted to try it because the position was simply good. So I did it."

Germany took an early lead through Nick Woltemade, but were pinned back later in the first half when their opponents pulled level. In desperate need of a win, coach Julian Nagelsmann was relieved to see Wirtz wrap up the three points.

"He practices it often enough," he told RTL. "He felt good - actually, even against Slovakia. He didn't shoot then. Unfortunately, he won't always score like that, but it was a superb goal—a good topspin free kick."

Germany are level on points with Northern Ireland but remain three behind Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 1-0. Germany will be in action again in October against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.