Fans on social media have singled out Timo Werner for blame as Germany suffer a shocking defeat in Wednesday's clash with North Macedonia. The 24-year-old striker squandered a glorious chance to put his side ahead before a late strike by the visitors condemned the four-time World Cup winners to a surprising 2-1 defeat.
After starting the World Cup qualifying campaign with two successive wins, Germany were forced to start on the wrong foot as the veteran midfielder Goran Pandev opened the scoring for North Macedonia on the stroke of half-time. However, a penalty converted in the 63rd minute by Ilkay Gundogan would restore parity as momentum built up in favor of Joachim Lowe's side.
Shortly after the Manchester City star's feat, Timo Werner had a golden opportunity to put his side ahead but ended up putting his effort wide after a miscue. Watch the Chelsea star's big moment below:
TIMO WERNER, HOW DID YOU MISS?! pic.twitter.com/ACDf2yw26z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 31, 2021
The incident would eventually prove costly as Eljif Elmas will end up securing what is arguably the biggest win in the history of North Macedonia with a brilliant finish in the 85th minute.
North Macedonia lead Germany again!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 31, 2021
Just look what it means to them pic.twitter.com/cv2bdP70NO
With the result, Germany saw their remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifying games coming to an end. Die Mannschaft have only suffered two defeats in the campaign since 1985, with the last one coming via a 5-1 defeat against England in 2001. Joachim Lowe's men are now third in the Group J wth six points from three games.
Here is how fans reacted to Timo Werner's miss and Germany's defeat on Wednesday night:
I've said this plenty of times about Timo Werner. Man is rushing everything in his mind. Everything lacks composure and is a proper rush job. He honestly needs to do some yoga or meditation to calm him down.
— The Other Side Of The Coin (@TOSOTC_CFC) March 31, 2021
I can't believe Germany lost that against Macedonia!!
The Macedonian player after Werner's miss pic.twitter.com/jL0TvNxC8s
— Tyler (@tylerranger22) March 31, 2021
Premier League fans watching Werner miss against North Macedonia pic.twitter.com/SbVEzJdDg0
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) March 31, 2021
I don't want to hear any excuses about Timo Werner's confidence. There's been a stark difference in the way Tammy and Werner have been treated this season. I'm not turning on Timo yet, I just want Tammy to get the opportunities and respect he deserves!https://t.co/ugCW3SDXt6
— ChelseaFCBlogs (@ChelseaFCBlogs_) March 31, 2021
Timo Werner is going to win the golden boot.
— WelBeast (@WelBeast) March 31, 2021
For this and more jokes text the word German tax to 2222. pic.twitter.com/YEqOPDpiGi
What a Timo Werner statue would look like. pic.twitter.com/JwZvsBQDVN
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 31, 2021
That Timo Werner miss is something else. Wow.
— Osei Bernard Esar Ebo (@Original_Ebo) March 31, 2021