Nagelsmann Denies Germany Eased Up Against Ecuador
US - According to Coach Julian Nagelsmann, German players wanted win despite guaranteed progression, but played poorly, losing 1-2 to Ecuador in final Group E match of World Cup 2026.
German players disappointed after 1-2 loss to Ecuador in final Group E match of World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US on June 25, 2026. Photo: Reuters
At MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on June 25, Germany held 61% possession but failed to create matching pressure, except Leroy Sane's goal in 2nd minute. Nagelsmann's squad shot 11 times, but expected goals (xG) reached only 0.65.
In contrast, Ecuador took only 7 shots but reached 1.27 xG, showing efficiency in attacks. After conceding, South American team played persistently, turning game around with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to squeeze through narrow gap into World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
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*Sane's opening goal.
"After early lead, we should control game better and kill match," Nagelsmann said. "Instead, players started moving poorly, putting themselves in difficult positions. Ecuador realized they could press high."
38-year-old coach denied views that players eased up and lost determination because of guaranteed progression as Group E leaders. "Do not say that. Incorrect assessment," he stressed. "Players wanted win. Ecuador hungrier, took more risks in duels. Germany made squad changes different from must-score situations, but cannot say my players did not try."
*Ecuador equalizes 1-1.
On MagentaTV, former coach Jurgen Klopp blamed Germany's defeat on overly open tactical system. According to him, constant position swapping made Germany lose balance, especially against Ecuador's counter-attacks.
"Florian Wirtz played left wing, right wing, sometimes drifted central. Same for Jamal Musiala," former Liverpool and Dortmund coach analyzed. "Kai Havertz dropped deep often, Felix Nmecha pushed high, David Raum did too. Every turnover cost Germany dearly."
According to Klopp, Ecuador's equalizer came from such situation. Agreeing, former center-back Mats Hummels said first mistake was losing possession. "Everyone agrees Germany must not lose ball in dangerous areas," he said.
2014 World Cup champion also analyzed Aleksandar Pavlovic's poor defense when Ecuador equalized with Nilson Angulo's long-range shot in 9th minute. "Pavlovic's block attempt was incorrect. He should put foot toward ball to block shot, instead of covering space. That made shot dangerous," Hummels added.
*Ecuador seals 2-1 win.
Despite defeat, Germany won Group E, will face best third-placed team from groups A/B/C/D/F in round of 16. Match takes place at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts at 3:30 AM on June 30, Hanoi time.
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