Undav urges Germany to 'be nasty' after Ecuador defeat

Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav urged his Germany team-mates to become more "nasty" after a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, saying the South Americans "were more aggressive and sharper than we were". The 29-year-old, who came on as a 60th-minute substitute, added: "We weren't as direct in our play and we didn't create as many chances.

We must defend ourselves more. If it gets nasty, then we have to be nasty too." Head coach Julian Nagelsmann pushed back on suggestions the side lacked commitment, reacting sharply when Magenta TV presenter Johannes Kerner asked if his players had eased off: "Please stop with that nonsense, honestly.

Why wouldn't the boys want to go full throttle?" He acknowledged different substitutions because the group was already secured and said the team had simply "took a bit more risk in many situations." The defeat also put veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer back in the spotlight after he appeared hesitant before Gonzalo Plata turned home a late corner.

Germany

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