Internationals Update: Wirtz Does Not Quite Replicate Last Dazzling Display in Friendly, Kelly Scores

Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the international friendly match between Switzerland and Germany at St. Jakob-Park on March 27, 2026 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images Florian Wirtz played 61 minutes for Germany in their friendly against Ghana in Stuttgart Monday, but the attacker didn’t put in a repeat of the performance on Friday that saw him score two and register involvement in all four goals.

The Liverpool attacker could have scored in the opening minute after winning back possession in the Ghanaian penalty box, but was unable to put the ball on target in a crowded area. Five minutes later he could have had one again, but his free kick was seen off by the woodwork. Wirtz was less central to the German onslaught in the ensuing period, though did think he had a goal just after the 30 minute mark before the offside flag went up.

It was spiritually onside if only because it would have been a wonderful team goal. Though the penalty that put Germany ahead 1-0 in the first half was something of a soft one, Wirtz won it for his side: his relatively weak effort on goal was blocked at close range and VAR intervened to give the penalty. His effort was headed into the net, suggesting that Wirtz’s absence from the scoresheet is something of a technicality.

The Liverpool attacker was subbed off on 61 minutes, nine minutes shy of Ghana’s equalizer and 27 minutes before his side stole a late winner. Elsewhere, Liverpool Academy player Kyle Kelly scored his first international goal for St. Kitts and Nevis, scoring the third in a 4-2 victory in the third-place play-off against the Solomon Islands.