Timo Werner "granted" North Macedonian citizenship

Timo Werner’s 2020-21 struggles continued at international level in Germany’s shock defeat by North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying. The Chelsea striker, whose future at Stamford Bridge has come into question after his scoring touch deserted him following a big money move from RB Leipzig, was a starter for Germany in Duisberg where Igor Angelovski’s side recorded one of the most notable victories in their history, Werner missing a glorious chance to put the hosts ahead with the scores at 1-1 by failing to hit the target with the goal wide open.

Werner’s calamitous error with 10 minutes left on the clock did not go unnoticed in North Macedonia, whose triumph took them to second place in a tricky UEFA qualifying Group J. In gratitude for his services to the country, a North Macedonian newspaper bestowed honorary citizenship on Werner in the aftermath of the game, producing a national identity card for the striker.

Germany fans downbeat after new low

Germany fans reacted with a mixture of amusement and resignation to the stunt. Many admitted Werner’s miss, a simple tap-in, was worthy of mockery while others thought perhaps the paper in question had gone a bit too far with Germany’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup now facing serious difficulties.