Germany secured top spot in their World Cup group but faced heavy criticism from the German media after a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. Julian Nagelsmann's team, already assured of advancing to the round of 32, delivered a performance that was labelled 'shaky' and 'unfocused', with several players singled out for their poor display.
Match Overview and Controversial Moments
Ecuador turned the match around after Leroy Sane's early goal for Germany. Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata scored to give Ecuador a 2-1 win. The match featured controversial VAR decisions, with Ecuador arguing Sane's goal should have stood and Germany contesting a penalty call that was overturned at 1-1.
Germany had started the tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao but followed that with a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire. The defeat to Ecuador raised concerns about the team's consistency and depth.
Sky Sport Deutschland's Criticism
Sky Sport Deutschland credited Ecuador's effort but criticised Germany's performance. 'The German team was largely invisible for long stretches,' they wrote. 'Despite a lightning start thanks to Leroy Sané, they subsequently lacked ideas, penetration, and above all, physical presence.' Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala were singled out for failing to make an impact, while Manuel Neuer was described as 'shaky' on both goals conceded, especially the decisive second.
Bild Calls Decision a 'Joke'
Bild expressed strong criticism, writing: 'This performance is worrying! Because they had already secured first place in the group, the loss has no sporting consequences. However, Julian Nagelsmann's team delivered a shaky, at times unfocused performance – at this rate, we'll be out soon!' The publication argued that Germany's goal should not have stood due to a high boot by Aleksandar Pavlovic that went unpunished. Referee expert Manuel Grafe told Bild: 'A clear foul. This decision is a joke and cannot stand.'
Allgemeine Zeitung Highlights Depth Issues
Allgemeine Zeitung pointed to a lack of depth in the squad, especially in the second half. 'The German team's performance was particularly weak in the second half,' they noted. 'Nagelsmann gave players like Angelo Stiller, Maximilian Beier, and Malick Thiaw a chance, but this experiment failed.' The publication added that Germany's play remains 'too error-prone' and that turnovers in midfield allowed even minnows like Curacao to look dangerous.
Kicker Warns of Early Exit
Kicker echoed the concerns, stating: 'The 1-2 defeat against Ecuador, following eleven consecutive victories, highlighted the national team's vulnerability. Especially against robust opponents, they lack players who can stand up to them.' The magazine warned that without improvement, Germany could face an early exit. Nagelsmann and his players have time to regroup before their round of 32 match against a third-placed finisher, likely Paraguay.
Germany's next match is on Monday, where they will face Paraguay, who drew 0-0 with Australia in their final group game. The team will need to address the issues exposed by Ecuador to avoid a third consecutive early World Cup exit.
