FIFA World Cup: Germany camp divided? Undav and Kimmich contradict coach Nagelsmann after Ecuador defeat

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann insisted his players did not lack desire despite their 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, but captain Joshua Kimmich and striker Deniz Undav contradicted that view after the team’s final Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Having already secured the top spot in the group with victories over Curacao and Cote d’Ivoire, Germany entered the contest with qualification to the Round of 32 already assured.

They made the perfect start in New Jersey as Leroy Sane scored after just 109 seconds, but Nilson Angulo restored parity within seven minutes before Gonzalo Plata netted the winner after the break to send Ecuador through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, Germany have now suffered as many defeats as victories across their last three World Cup campaigns, with four wins and four losses.

The result also revealed contrasting views inside the Germany camp. While Nagelsmann insisted the issue was tactical, both Undav and Kimmich believed Ecuador simply showed greater hunger on the day.

Undav, who scored twice in Germany’s comeback win over Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the tournament, pointed to Ecuador’s intensity as the decisive factor.

“I had the feeling that they wanted it more than we did,” Undav told Magenta TV.

“Ecuador were more aggressive, more tenacious. We have to learn from this that we also have to give it our all. They gave 100% in every action, they were involved in every challenge.”

Captain Kimmich shared the same view, saying Germany were second best because their opponents displayed greater determination throughout the match.

“The difference was today that the opponent wanted to win more than us. This is why they won today. Really deserved,” Kimmich said.

Nagelsmann, however, rejected that line of reasoning when it was put to him after the match.

“No, please stop with this nonsense, honestly,” the Germany coach said.

Instead, he blamed Germany’s tactical approach after taking the early lead.

“We got off to a great start. Unfortunately, right after scoring, we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning.

“Ecuador had everything to play for, and you could tell. They had their foot on the gas. But I also can’t say that any of my players didn’t give it their all. That’s too simplistic.”

The contrasting remarks from Germany’s manager and two senior players ensured the defeat generated more questions than the result itself. While Nagelsmann was adamant that tactical mistakes cost his side, Undav and Kimmich felt Ecuador’s greater desire proved decisive.

Germany will now shift their focus to the Round of 32, where they face one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams at Boston Stadium on Monday.

FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News

– Ends