Germany struggles against Ecuador in final group game
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Germany lost 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group game, a performance that highlighted tensions between nostalgia for past successes and the need for renewal. Coach Julian Nagelsmann defended his players after the loss, emphasizing that they gave their all despite criticism. However, players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav expressed that Ecuador appeared more motivated during the match. Germany has qualified for the next stage, leaving them to reassess their strategy moving forward.
- •Germany loses 2-1 to Ecuador in final group match
- •Julian Nagelsmann defends players' effort after the game
- •Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav note Ecuador's strong motivation
- •Germany has qualified for the next round despite the loss
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Germany trapped between past and future with team lost in identity malaise
"The ghosts of 2014 and Jürgen Klopp dominate the debate, leaving Julian Nagelsmann’s side caught between nostalgia and renewal “No, please, stop with this nonsense,” snapped Julian Nagelsmann. Germany had just lost 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group game and the television interviewer was suggesting that with Germany already qualified, perhaps the Ecuadoreans had simply wanted it more. “They didn’t want it more,” Nagelsmann bristled. “I cannot tell any of my players that they didn’t give it their all. That’s far too simplistic.” If that was the line, then fair enough. Albeit, a line Nagelsmann may have wanted to run past his players before they did their post-match media duties. “The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us,” said Joshua Kimmich. “I had the feeling they wanted it more than us,” said the substitute Deniz Undav. Continue reading...
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