Germany’s World Cup form raises alarm after loss to Ecuador

Germany’s start to the World Cup has left doubts despite finishing first in its group. The Mannschaft beat Ivory Coast narrowly, but its 2-1 loss to Ecuador strengthened concerns about how far the team can go in the tournament.

The article says Germany had already secured top spot in the group and a place in the knockout stage, so the defeat carried no sporting consequences. Even so, the performance was described as scattered and, at times, lacking concentration.

German midfielder Joshua Kimmich was disappointed, while coach Julian Nagelsmann and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer defended the team. The concern was captured by Bild, which called it a “worrying performance” and wrote that, at this rate, “we’ll be out very quickly.”