Historic night
Germany have suffered a stunning home defeat, losing a World Cup Qualifier for the first time since England beat them 5-1 all the way back in 2001.
North Macedonia deservedly overcame Germany 2-1 thanks to a first half injury time goal from Genoa’s Goran Pandev and an 85th minute winner from Napoli’s Eljif Elmas, to record one of the greatest victories in their history.
🇲🇰 NORTH MACEDONIA HAVE BEATEN GERMANY! 🇩🇪
They’re ranked #️⃣6️⃣5️⃣ in the FIFA World Rankings! 😱 pic.twitter.com/69SmAkvpxb
— Goal (@goal) March 31, 2021
It is a result that will be live long in the memory and will bring heat on outgoing Germany coach Joachim Low.
Germany had equalised in the 63rd minute when Ilkay Gundogan converted a penalty but the evening ended in defeat leaving them in third place in their group behind North Macedonia and Armenia.
Werner Woes
14 November 2020, Saxony, Leipzig: Football: Nations League A, Group stage, Group 4, Matchday 5, Germany – Ukraine in the Red Bull Arena. Timo Werner of Germany cheers after his goal for 3-1 with Serge Gnabry (l). IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used in the stadium and/or from the game taken photographs in the form of sequence pictures and/or video-like photo series. Photo: Robert Michael/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa (Photo by Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The evening could and should have ended very differently. In the 80th minute Timo Werner missed a chance that he is unlikely to ever want to see again.
TIMO WERNER, HOW DID YOU MISS?! 😱 pic.twitter.com/ACDf2yw26z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 31, 2021
Gundogan squared the ball to the Chelsea man in the middle of the area with only the keeper to beat. However, Werner somehow scuffed his shot and the ball bobbled wide of the post. Both players fell to their knees in disbelief as Werner’s poor form in front of goal this season continues.
Chelsea will be hoping Werner can recover as they enter the final stretch of the season in which they are still competing for a top 4 finish, the FA Cup and the Champions League.
He has the perfect chance to get back on form as Chelsea host West Brom on Saturday lunchtime.
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