Schlotterbeck ruled out for World Cup as Undav keeps delivering

Schlotterbeck's World Cup is over

Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the rest of the tournament. The central defender has a torn ankle ligament, confirmed after the 2–1 win over Ivory Coast (2) (5). An MRI confirmed the worst. Julian Nagelsmann loses a key piece of his back line right as the knockout stage approaches.

Undav can't stop scoring off the bench

Deniz Undav has six goals in his last five Germany appearances, all as a substitute (4). His stoppage-time winner against Ivory Coast was his second of the game, he now has three goals and two assists across just two group-stage matches from the bench. That equals a World Cup record for goal involvements by a substitute (4). Nagelsmann has a decision looming: does he start Undav against Ecuador or keep him as the ultimate second-half weapon?

Ivory Coast coach fumes after late winner

Emerse Faé did not hold back. The Ivory Coast coach accused Germany of a lack of fair play after Undav's stoppage-time winner, claiming the German players ignored an injured Ivorian on the pitch (3). Referee Juan Gabriel Benitez Mareco let the goal stand, and former Premier League official Keith Hackett backed the call: "I think that what this very experienced referee saw is what I'm seeing, and that is the forward not making an attempt to head the ball" (3). The controversy came after an earlier disallowed Germany goal by Aleksandar Pavlovic, which Hackett also said was correctly ruled out (3).

Ecuador on Thursday, top spot secured

Germany have already won Group E. The 2–1 win over Ivory Coast sealed it with a match to spare. Ecuador awaits on Thursday in the final group fixture (1). With Schlotterbeck out and the group already wrapped up, Nagelsmann may rotate.