Stiller makes World Cup debut

In Germany’s third group match against Ecuador, Angelo Stiller made his first World Cup appearance, replacing Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield at half-time. Deniz Undav was introduced on the hour mark but couldn’t prevent the side slipping to a 2-1 defeat. Alexander Nübel and Jamie Leweling were unused substitutes.

Undav: ‘We have to learn from it’

“I got the feeling that Ecuador wanted the win a bit more than us,” explained Undav after the match. “They were sharper and committed in every tackle. We have to learn from it that we should always give 100 percent and stand our ground when things get ‘ugly’. We go again on Monday and we’ll give it our all.”

Jeremy Arévalo again stayed on the bench for the South Americans.

Last-32 opponents to be decided

Germany, who were already confirmed as group winners before the game, will now meet one of the third-placed teams from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the round of 32 on Monday 29 June in Boston. The shock win has also earned Ecuador a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed sides with four points, but Arévalo and Co have to wait for the remaining Matchday 3 fixtures to find out who they’re playing.