Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has emphatically disputed Deniz Undav’s claim Ecuador ‘wanted it more’ against them.
Ecuador went into Thursday’s clash knowing only a victory would keep their hopes of a knockout berth alive while Germany had already sewn up top spot thanks to wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast.
4
Luckily for the South American nation, they pulled off the stunning result as Gonzalo Plata’s 77th-minute strike secured a 2-1 victory.
The win ensured Ecuador finished third in Group E with four points, a tally that will see them through to the round of 32 as one of the eight-best third-placed teams.
Given what was at stake for Ecuador and the fact Germany wouldn’t be impacted by the result in terms of their position in the group, it was no surprise Sebastian Beccacece’s side were at it from the first minute until the last.
Nagelsmann bites back at Undav’s Ecuador claim
Their relentless tenacity evidently left an impression on second-half substitute Deniz Undav.
Speaking to Magenta TV, Undav said: “I had the feeling that they wanted it more than we did.”
However, Nagelsmann strongly disagreed with Undav’s verdict.
Speaking to the same outlet, Nagelsmann said: “Ecuador wanted it more than we did? That’s nonsense.”
Nagelsmann and his players must now shake off the defeat ahead of their round of 32 contest, with their opponent yet to be confirmed.
Party time in Ecuador
As for Ecuador, the win sparked joyous scenes at full-time.
Upon hearing the full-time whistle, manager Beccacece leapt up into the stands to celebrate.
4
4
Many of Ecuador’s stars, including Chelsea ace Moises Caicedo, sank to their knees in pure elation having secured a berth in the knockout stage of a World Cup for just the second time in history.
Meanwhile, numerous Ecuador fans inside the MetLife Stadium in New York were seen in tears once the full time whistle was blown.
The win also sparked stunning scenes back in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
Fans took to the streets to celebrate while others waved the Ecuadorean flag from their cars.
Such was the magnitude of the result, Ecuador President Daniel Noboa officially declared a public holiday in honour of the team’s momentous result.
“Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults, and the tough times they went through, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country,” Noboa wrote on X.
4
“Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador.”
Stuart Pearce: Ecuador ‘deserve the adulation’
Speaking on commentary for eSPORTY, England legend Stuart Pearce felt Ecuador’s players and coaches were more than good value for the praise being showered upon them by their fans.
“These are memories on this stage that you never, ever forget, for Ecuador,” Pearce said.
“For the manager, for all the players, they deserve the adulation they’re getting here.
“They’ve been on the back foot in this group after the first couple of games, and they’ve come up here and they’ve delivered a gutsy performance that has got them into the next stage.”
World Cup WhatsApp
Don’t miss an update from eSPORTY in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.
Search for ‘eSPORTY World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure eSPORTY energy.
It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.
Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.
