Germany's World Cup Run Hits Snag with Ecuador Loss; Coach Calls Claims of Motivation 'Nonsense'

Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann dismissed suggestions that Ecuador was more motivated to win their final 2026 World Cup group stage match, calling such claims "nonsense." Germany, who had already clinched the top spot in Group E, unexpectedly fell 1-2 to Ecuador.

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Saying Ecuador wanted to win more than us is just nonsense.

Ecuador, needing a win to avoid elimination, found themselves trailing early after conceding a goal in the second minute. However, Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute, and Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute to secure the comeback victory.

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I think we were in a good position after scoring the first goal. We controlled possession and looked comfortable, but Ecuador's performance improved rapidly, and we did not respond accordingly, thus losing the match.

Nagelsmann admitted that after taking an early lead, Germany was in a comfortable position and controlled possession. However, he noted that Ecuador significantly improved their performance, and Germany failed to respond adequately, leading to their defeat. The German coach acknowledged Ecuador's fighting spirit and belief, particularly their ability to capitalize on key moments, and congratulated them on a deserved victory that he hopes will be a historic moment for them.

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Sometimes you have to pay respect to the team that played better, and today that team was Ecuador. And if this victory can be a historic moment for them, then congratulations to them, they deserve this moment.