Germany’s Low on Werner missed a surprising loss towards North Macedonia: He has to attain a aim

The German coach Joachim Low beat striker Timo Werner from close range when the four-time World Cup winner suffered an impressive home qualifying defeat against North Macedonia in Qatar in 2022 in Duisburg on Wednesday.

Germany fell back shortly before the break when 37-year-old Goran Pandev remained unmarked in the penalty area and defeated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who replaced team captain Manuel Neuer in goal.

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Ikay Gundogan equalized from the penalty spot and Chelsea striker Werner had a chance to put Germany ahead only to parry his shot when he got a glorious chance in the box. North Macedonia sealed the historic victory when Eljif Elmas scored 2-1 with five minutes from time

“He has to put the ball away, no question about it,” said Joachim Low after the game on RTL. “He showed here that he can score goals.

“But he doesn’t hit the ball with his left foot to the right. If he has clean contact with the ball, that’s a goal.”

Low, who has been a German coach since 2006 and won the 2014 World Cup, will leave his post after the 2021 European Championship. This was his first loss in a World Cup qualifier against Germany.

Germany had only lost two World Cup qualifiers in their entire history, having previously lost to Portugal in 1985 and England in 2001.

“That defeat is ours today,” said Low. “The disappointment is great when you lose like this.”

Manchester City’s Gundogan added: “We mustn’t lose to such an opponent. I can’t explain it.”