Florian Wirtz made history by scoring Germany’s fastest international goal, finding the net after just seven seconds, as the Euro 2024 hosts secured a confidence-boosting 2-0 friendly win over France on Saturday, marking their first victory in their last four games.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, keen for a positive start to the year ahead of the upcoming tournament in June, received precisely what he hoped for.
Wirtz’s stunning long-range strike, orchestrated by Toni Kroos, caught the French off guard, earning the young talent his first international goal. The goal broke Lukas Podolski’s record set in 2013 by a fraction of a second.
As the game progressed, Kylian Mbappe’s efforts were thwarted by Germany’s Marc Andre ter Stegen, maintaining the hosts’ lead.
Despite France’s attempts to equalize with Ousmane Dembele and Adrien Rabiot, it was Germany who extended their lead early in the second half. Wirtz’s precise cross found Jamal Musiala, who set up Kai Havertz for the second goal.
As the match wore on, France struggled to find a breakthrough, while Germany remained resolute in defense. Late in the game, substitute Olivier Giroud missed two opportunities for France, and Germany’s Antonio Ruediger even struck his own post while attempting a clearance.
Germany will face the Netherlands on Tuesday, while France will take on Chile.
