Germany Overview

Germany legend Toni Kroos has pulled no punches in his assessment of the national team following their underwhelming group-stage conclusion. The 2014 World Cup winner warned that Julian Nagelsmann's side face an immediate exit in the knockout rounds unless they urgently address glaring defensive vulnerabilities and recover the form of their talismanic players.

Julian Nagelsmann has thrown his support behind Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz after their disappointing display in Germany's defeat to Ecuador. The head coach insists the creative duo will keep his faith ahead of Monday's last-32 clash and believes both players are close to rediscovering their best form.

Manuel Neuer has refused to accept responsibility for Germany's decisive goal in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, despite heavy criticism from the media and former players. The Bayern Munich star defended his positioning, while Julian Nagelsmann backed his goalkeeper as questions over Germany's No.1 intensified.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has launched a scathing critique of Julian Nagelsmann's tactical setup following the national team's bitter World Cup setback against Ecuador. The iconic former captain vehemently argued that current skipper Joshua Kimmich is being severely restricted by his controversial deployment in the right-back role.