Germany may have already secured top spot in Group E before their 2-1 defeat to Ecuador on 25 June, but the manner of the loss sent a clear message: Julian Nagelsmann’s side are not yet ready for the demands of the knockout stage.
The four-time world champions made it out of their group for the first time in 12 years, but they were sloppy in defence, error-prone across the pitch and unconvincing in attack. They travel to Boston on Monday for their round-of-32 match with opponents still to be confirmed, and significant problems to address before then.
Germany have conceded in all three group-stage matches, and their backline looks increasingly vulnerable without Nico Schlotterbeck, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an ankle ligament injury against Ivory Coast. His absence has left the defensive unit short of both organisation and authority.
Captain Joshua Kimmich was direct in his assessment. “We keep inviting the opposition in with turnovers, effectively making them stronger,” he said. “We can’t keep conceding one or two goals every game. We have to minimise our turnover rate. Then we can beat anyone.”
Even goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, now 40, looked uncertain against Ecuador, contributing to an overall defensive display that will concern Nagelsmann ahead of the knockout rounds.
In midfield, Jamal Musiala delivered another below-par display as he continues to work his way back to full sharpness following the broken leg that kept him sidelined for more than six months. Nagelsmann is expected to persist with him, keen to give him game time, but Aleksandar Pavlovic’s place in the starting side looks less secure after his worst performance of the tournament.
Musiala acknowledged the need for improvement. “We have to learn from this defeat and prepare ourselves for the important phase of this tournament,” he said. “We can no longer afford to make mistakes like we did.”
The coach was measured rather than alarmed, insisting the defeat should not overshadow what has been a solid group-stage campaign overall.
“We need more patience and not to leave our positions so much,” Nagelsmann said. “We don’t have to see everything bad now. The key is to have more patience and we will now go to Boston on Monday to win.”
