Ecuador stun Germany and shaky Neuer and qualify for the knockout phase

“I understand completely from the human side and if we only approached it that way it would be obvious, but we have to look at the large picture” said Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the Ecuador game, when asked about potential rotation in the starting 11, due to the fact that his team was first in the group, no matter the final score. He was stubborn enough to field the strongest team (minus two subs due to injuries) and the result was not good: Germany – Ecuador 1-2. Die Mannschaft played poorly, the starting lineup didn’t have enough will and energy to play against fiery Ecuador, and Manuel Neuer, who was still ahead of Oliver Baumann reacted poorly before both goals.

Ecuador easily played their best game in the tournament, took a win against a stronger opponent when they needed to, and used all Germany’s misses in front of the goal to secure the win in the end, which will be enough for the Round of 32 for only the second time in their history. They had to deal with some referee’s decisions which might have gone their way and not against them, but prevailed in the end. Naglesmann will face critique in Germany as his team played poorly, which is not a good sign ahead of the elimination round. If he fielded reserve players, maybe they would offer more resistance in order to impress their coach. This way, Germany lost after leading 1-0 and they did it against a weaker opponent and with their best players on the field. There were rumors that Germany would welcome a defeat as it would mean they would avoid France in the later rounds, and the Germans don’t like that sort of rumors. Now, with this loss, Nagelsmann will have to deal with that as well.

Die Mannschaft had a dream start of the match and scored after only two minutes. Pavlović brought the ball down before shifting it onto Wirtz, who assisted to Sane, and former Bayern forward drilled a low, first-time shot home for the opener. There will be a lot debate about this goal as Pavlović appeared to made a foul on Pedro Vite, but both the referee and VAR determined it was a clear goal. This was the worst possible outcome for Ecuador who needed a win and were one goal down after only two minutes. But La Tricolors made a surprise goal just seven minutes later. It was a combined effort where Nilson Angulo made a superb and precise shot, while sleepy German defense allowed him to take a shot in the first place, not to mention Neuer’s inability to save the ball. It was back to square one after only 10 minutes of the match. And then – a stalemate.

Creating problems when everything is fine

Ecuador took control but couldn’t do anything, while Germany didn’t create enough chances, apart from Havertz’s header in the 24th minute. The second half was even worse, and until 60th minute, Angulo’s goal was the only shot on target for Ecuador. Finally, they had a proper shot, but Enner Valencia’s effort was saved by Neuer. Germany’s Havertz managed to force a penalty in the 50th minute, but thanks to Sane’s foul on Vite in the buildup, VAR overturned the decision. Ecuador had their best chance before the lead when Bayern’s teammates Tah and Neuer somehow managed to miscommunicate and Rodríguez got the ball, but nothing came off of that. Germany was livelier in attack when Undav was introduced, and the Stuttgart striker created a chance for Sane, who managed only a shot straight at the goalkeeper. Two minutes later, a punishment came. Ecuador took the corner and Rodríguez flicked the ball on at the near post. While Neuer was stretching to make the save, Plata was quicker and got the ball into the net for the lead. Ecuador continued to attack but the result remained the same and their fans started to celebrate their incredible achievement after the final whistle.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)

Group E

Thursday

Curacao - Ivory Coast 0-2 (0-1)

/Pepe 7, 64/

Ecuador - Germany 2-1 (1-1)

/Angulo 9, Plata 77 - Sane 2/

Group I

Friday

22.00: (5.50) Norway (3.90) France (1.70)

22.00: (1.27) Senegal (6.00) Iraq (11.0)

***odds are subject to change***