Germany lose to Ecuador, Schlotterbeck injury and Nagelsmann fires back

Germany beaten 2–1 by Ecuador, Nagelsmann fires back

Your team lost the final group game, and Julian Nagelsmann was in no mood for the criticism. Germany 1–2 Ecuador at the World Cup on Thursday, but top spot in Group E was already secured (6). Ecuador scored twice and rode their luck. The German press called it a "wake-up call" (5) (11).

Manuel Neuer took heavy flak. "Neuer gifts the win," one outlet wrote (11). Nagelsmann came out swinging: "Please stop the nonsense, honestly!" (4). He defended the team selection and dismissed any idea that Germany had taken the match lightly.

Kai Havertz scored the German goal, but the performance left questions. Deniz Undav again came off the bench, he has three goals and two assists from substitute appearances this tournament, equalling a World Cup record for goal involvements by a substitute (1). Joshua Kimmich and the midfield never found control.

Schlotterbeck injury clouds knockout preparation

Nico Schlotterbeck is feared to have torn an ankle ligament (1). An MRI will confirm. If the diagnosis holds, his World Cup is over. That is a serious blow to a defence that already looked shaky against Ecuador. Nagelsmann now faces a reshuffle ahead of the round of 32.

Faé accuses Schweinsteiger of racism

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé did not hold back. Bastian Schweinsteiger, working as an ARD pundit during Germany's earlier win over Ivory Coast, said something about African football that Faé called out plainly: "We could call it racist" (2) (7). Schweinsteiger has not yet responded publicly. The BBC and ESPN both carried Faé's remarks prominently.

Ivory Coast advance, set up last-32 clash

Ivory Coast took care of business: a 2–0 win over Curacao sent them through as Group E runners-up (10). They will play either France or Norway in the last 32 (10). Germany's opponent is still to be confirmed, four teams remain in the frame heading into the knockout round (1).

Ecuador party like it's a national holiday

Ecuador are not being subtle about it. Their first-ever win over a former world champion, and the celebrations are wild (9) (12). Sebastian Beccacece went from nearly losing his job to making history. Now there is even talk of a new national holiday (8) (9). They earned it.

Fan-reaktioner

Fans on Reddit are more amused than concerned. The Ecuador president declaring Friday a national holiday got heavy traction, the top comment on r/soccer simply reads "I mean they seem to be quite happy down there. Enjoy!" (link). The Schweinsteiger controversy is also drawing attention, with the BBC article widely shared and discussed. Beccacece's celebration clip is doing the rounds too, and even German fans seem to appreciate the scale of Ecuador's achievement.