Florian Wirtz supplied the spark Germany had been waiting for on Thursday night, driving Jurgen Klopp’s new side to a 2-0 Nations League win over Serbia and delivering the first victory of the coach’s reign.
The move
Wirtz, now playing for Liverpool, was central to both German goals as Klopp’s reshaped team finally converted encouraging spells into a result.
Germany had entered their third Nations League fixture under scrutiny after a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and a frustrating 1-0 home defeat to Greece. Klopp, appointed in the summer to succeed Julian Nagelsmann, made extensive changes from the side beaten by Greece, with Serge Gnabry wearing the captain’s armband.
The hosts controlled the contest through intense pressing and quick forward attacks, offering an early glimpse of the high-energy approach long associated with Klopp. Aleksandar Pavlovic threatened in the eighth minute, while Nick Woltemade, Gnabry and Scherhant also found openings before the interval.
Serbia produced one alarming attack in the 32nd minute, briefly raising memories of the Greece defeat. Germany responded seven minutes later. Wirtz struck the post and Tom Bischof reacted first, finishing from close range to open the scoring.
Germany continued to create chances after the break, with Pavlovic, Bischof, El Mala and Scherhant all involved in further pressure. Wirtz then settled the match in the 61st minute: he brought the ball under control, cut past Babic and beat Petrovic with a right-footed finish.
The French season around it
There was no Ligue 1 player or club directly involved in the match, but Wirtz’s performance will be noted across the French season as Germany prepare to return to Nations League action against Greece on Sunday.
The rematch gives Klopp’s side an immediate chance to build on a more convincing display. Greece, beaten only after frustrating Germany in their previous meeting, remain the unexpected challengers in the group.
For Germany, the win does not answer every question surrounding a new generation, but it gives Klopp a first result and Wirtz a decisive role at the centre of it.
