“Too much freestyle”: wake-up call for the Germans before the knockout phase

The DFB team initially got off to a dream start in the group final. Leroy Sane gave the four-time world champion the lead after just 109 seconds, but then Germany increasingly lost control. “We had a great start to the game and if we lead so early, we have to finish the game with a lot more conviction,” explained Nagelsmann. After the opening goal there was “a little too much freestyle”. Germany “brought Ecuador back into the game itself”.

After the game, however, the national coach stood demonstratively in front of his team and rejected a moderator’s claim that Germany had not shown the necessary effort because they had already won the group. “I can’t tell any player that he didn’t put his foot down. That’s far too obvious for me,” emphasized the 38-year-old.

Captain Kimmich: “We can beat anyone”

Captain Joshua Kimmich saw the defeat as a timely warning shot. “Luckily nothing has happened now,” said the captain, referring to the group victory that had already been secured. “We can’t allow ourselves another defeat, that’s clear. We can’t concede one or two goals in every game. We have to minimize the rate of ball loss.” If that succeeds, then the DFB team can beat anyone, according to Kimmich.

In any case, the DFB team doesn’t have much time to come to terms with the situation. Already on On Monday (10:30 p.m. CEST/live ORF 1), a group third party that has not yet been determined awaits in the round of 16 in Boston. In any case, there won’t be a day off this time. “We will train because we don’t have that much time,” announced Nagelsmann. At least the coach can probably rely on Nathaniel Brown again, who should get fit in time after adductor problems.