Klopp, Hummels point out Germany weakness
USA - Jurgen Klopp, Mats Hummels say Germany leave space after losing ball. Cause 1-2 loss to Ecuador in World Cup 2026 Group E final match.
At MetLife Stadium June 25, Germany hold 61% possession. Create little pressure. Julian Nagelsmann team shoot 11 times. Expected goals (xG) only 0.65. Ecuador shoot seven times. Get 1.27 xG. Show high counter-attack efficiency.
Germany start well. Leroy Sane curl left-foot shot to score minute two. Ecuador persist with counter-attack. Win 2-1 via Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata goals. Ecuador squeeze through narrow gap to World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
Germany players disappointed after 1-2 loss to Ecuador in World Cup 2026 Group E final match at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, June 25, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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Speak on MagentaTV, Klopp say flexible tactic system make players swap positions too much. Cause imbalance.
"Germany play flexible system," former Liverpool, Dortmund coach say. "Florian Wirtz play left, right, center. Jamal Musiala same. Kai Havertz drop deep. Felix Nmecha go high, David Raum same. Lose ball, pay big price."
Klopp say Ecuador equalizer come from this. Former center-back Mats Hummels agree. First mistake is losing ball. "All agree Germany must not lose ball in dangerous area," Hummels say.
Ecuador equalize 1-1.
2014 World Cup winner analyze Aleksandar Pavlovic defense when Ecuador equalize via Nilson Angulo long shot minute 9. "Pavlovic block wrong. Should put foot toward ball to block, not just cover space. Make shot dangerous," Hummels say.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann admit Germany start well but lose control after opening goal. "Lead early, must control better, kill game," he say. "Instead, players move wrong. Put team in trouble. Ecuador realize they can press high."
38-year-old coach deny players slack off because already qualify as Group E leaders. "Do not say that. Incorrect," Nagelsmann stress. "Players want win. Ecuador hungrier, risk more in duels. Germany change lineup, but players try hard."
Ecuador seal 2-1 win.
Despite loss, Germany win Group E. Face best third-place team from Group A/B/C/D/F in round of 16. Match at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 3:30 AM June 30, Hanoi time.
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