Germany trail at halftime as Wirtz error leads to Slovakia goal – his reaction to lost ball leaves fans furious

It was a nightmare first half for Germany in their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, and the spotlight fell squarely on Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old midfielder, who has been under intense scrutiny since his big-money move to Liverpool, found himself at the center of controversy after a costly mistake gifted Slovakia the opening goal.

The moment unfolded midway through the first half when Wirtz, positioned in central midfield, attempted a risky dribble under pressure. Instead of passing quickly or retreating to safety, he lingered on the ball and was dispossessed. Slovakia wasted no time pouncing, breaking forward in devastating fashion before clinically finishing to put Germany 1-0 down.

What frustrated fans even more was not just the error itself but Wirtz’s reaction. Rather than tracking back to recover his mistake, he became embroiled in a brief scuffle with the opponent who stole possession. His hesitation allowed Slovakia’s attack to flow unchecked, making the goal seem even more preventable.

As the referee blew for halftime, Germany trudged into the dressing room a goal behind. For supporters, Wirtz’s lapse wasn’t just about one mistake—it symbolized the team’s lack of urgency and composure in key moments. Within minutes, social media lit up with furious comments, many pointing fingers at the young star.

On platforms like X and Instagram, fans vented their frustrations openly. One user blasted: “Wirtz losing possession was costly; better focus on recovery and positioning next time.” Another went even further, suggesting that Liverpool had overpaid: “Bro might be the biggest £100M flop ever.” The backlash snowballed quickly, with some questioning his mentality on the big stage.

For Wirtz, the criticism represents a growing narrative. Since arriving at Liverpool, his performances have been mixed—flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. His form for Germany has been no different, with some believing he has yet to justify the hype that surrounded his move away from the Bundesliga.

Slovakia, on the other hand, could hardly believe their luck. The goal gave them confidence and disrupted Germany’s rhythm, forcing Hansi Flick’s side into chasing the game. Germany dominated possession but lacked cutting edge, and Wirtz’s error only added to the mounting frustration.

Inside the dressing room at halftime, questions were being asked. Could Flick afford to keep faith in his young midfielder, or would he consider a tactical change to spark a comeback? With seasoned players like İlkay Gündoğan and Joshua Kimmich watching closely, Wirtz’s position in the starting lineup may soon be under threat if such mistakes persist.

Despite the angry reaction online, it is also important to note the immense pressure Wirtz faces. At just 22, he is already burdened with the expectations of carrying both Liverpool’s creative spark and Germany’s new generation. Mistakes like these, though costly, are part of the growth curve—but the manner of his response, showing frustration instead of fight, is what has truly angered the fanbase.

The second half will now test not only Germany’s ability to recover on the scoreboard but also Wirtz’s resilience. Can he shake off the criticism, show maturity, and make amends on the pitch? Or will this moment linger as another chapter in a difficult start to life as one of football’s most scrutinized stars?

For now, the scoreline tells its own story: Germany trail Slovakia 1-0 at halftime, and all eyes are on Florian Wirtz to see how he responds when the pressure is at its peak.