New Delhi: may have already secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 but their 2-1 defeat to Ecuador has created fresh questions inside the camp.
More than the result itself it was the contrasting opinions from head coach Julian Nagelsmann and two senior players that caught attention after the final whistle.
Germany entered their final Group E match with top spot already confirmed following victories over Curacao and Cote d’Ivoire. An early goal from Leroy Sane looked to have put them on course for another win but Ecuador fought back through Nilson Angulo before Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal after the break.
The defeat did little damage to Germany’s qualification hopes but it highlighted a clear difference in opinion over why the team came up short.
Players point to Ecuador’s greater desire
Striker Deniz Undav felt Ecuador simply wanted the result more. The forward, who had starred earlier in the tournament, admitted Germany struggled to match their opponents’ intensity throughout the contest.
“I had the feeling that they wanted it more than we did,” Undav told Magenta TV.
“Ecuador were more aggressive, more tenacious. We have to learn from this that we also have to give it our all. They gave 100% in every action; they were involved in every challenge.”
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich echoed those thoughts, saying Ecuador deserved the victory because they showed greater determination from start to finish.
“The difference was today that the opponent wanted to win more than us. This is why they won today. Really deserved,” Kimmich said.
Nagelsmann rejects criticism
Nagelsmann strongly disagreed with the suggestion that his players lacked commitment. The Germany manager insisted the defeat was caused by tactical errors rather than attitude.
“No, please stop with this nonsense, honestly,” Nagelsmann said after the match.
“We got off to a great start. Unfortunately, right after scoring, we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning.”
“Ecuador had everything to play for, and you could tell. They had their foot on the gas. But I also can’t say that any of my players didn’t give it their all. That’s too simplistic.”
now move on to the Round of 32, where they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in Boston. While qualification remains intact, the differing views inside the camp will likely remain a talking point as they prepare for the knockout stage.