Werner winning hearts and minds for Germany

STUTTGART, Germany - With six goals in eight internationals, Timo Werner seems to be the answer to Germany's quest for a world-class striker - and the fleet-footed forward is gradually winning over fans.

The 21-year-old netted twice in Monday's 6-0 thrashing of Norway, but Germany must wait until its next World Cup qualifier, against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Oct 5, to secure its place at next year's finals in Russia.

Werner exited to a standing ovation in Stuttgart - a far cry from the jeers and verbal abuse he endured at the hands of German fans in Prague last Friday.