Florian Wirtz loses with Liverpool in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace

Young star Florian Wirtz is still waiting for his first title with English football champions Liverpool FC. The Reds lost the English Super Cup 2-3 on penalties to English Cup winners Crystal Palace and their successful coach Oliver Glasner.

After regular time, the score in the Community Shield was 2-2 (2-1). In the penalty shootout at London's Wembley Stadium, Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott showed nerves.

Wirtz was no longer on the pitch when the penalty was awarded, even though the day had started so well. That morning, the skilled technician had been named Germany's Footballer of the Year. The international, who moved to England for a total fee of up to 150 million euros, prevailed in the "Kicker" poll ahead of Bayern star Michael Olise and Nick Woltemade of VfB Stuttgart.

And in his competitive debut for Liverpool, Wirtz immediately made his mark. After a one-two with Hugo Ekitiké, the Frenchman, whose €95 million move from Frankfurt to England was worth a whopping, scored to give Liverpool the lead after just four minutes.

After former Mainz player Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized with a penalty in the 17th minute, Jeremie Frimpong stepped up. A somewhat errant cross from the winger, who also arrived from Leverkusen, found the Palace goal in the 21st minute. However, Glasner's team came back with a goal from Ismaila Sarr in the 77th minute.

Wirtz showed his ability in a few scenes, but he wasn't yet the difference-maker in his competitive debut. The 22-year-old was substituted in the 84th minute. In the penalty shootout, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson emerged as the hero, just as he had in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Before the ball began, a minute's silence was observed in honor of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident during the summer break. The Portuguese striker's death had caused great shock in Liverpool.

RND/dpa