Germany faces Ivory Coast test as Nagelsmann stands by Sané ahead of Saturday’s matches

Group E stakes

Both Germany and Ivory Coast opened with wins in Group E. Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1, the biggest opening-round margin on record, while Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0 through a late Amad Diallo goal. Their Saturday evening clash in Toronto (4 p.m. ET) will effectively decide the group winner and a place in the knockout stage. Ecuador, whose 19-match unbeaten run ended with that narrow defeat, must take points later in Kansas City against a Curacao side beaten heavily in their debut.

Sané under scrutiny

Leroy Sané failed to score in the rout of Curacao, missing two one-on-one chances and botching a simple dribble, and was singled out by German fans and media. Footage showed supporters in the stadium laughing in disbelief or shaking their heads. The 30‑year‑old Galatasaray winger drew a defence from his coach.

It is a psychological phenomenon. Once you have put someone in a certain drawer and characterised them in a certain way, everything you see that only remotely fits is judged many times worse.

Nagelsmann said the team’s acceptance and the playing time he has promised will restore the player’s confidence. He did not guarantee a starting spot outright but indicated there is no reason to change the line‑up that faced Curacao.

Ivory Coast’s speed and confidence

Nagelsmann warned that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winners pose a different threat, especially through the pace of Nicolas Pépé, Yan Diomande and Diallo. “They have, on all three front positions, a lot of speed,” he told reporters, adding that Germany have prepared measures to limit the danger.

Ivorian assistant coach Guy Demel, a former HSV and Dortmund player, said the team will approach the game with a different strategy.

We will play with a different strategy against Germany.

He noted that the squad, all playing in their first tournament, had nothing to lose after the late win over Ecuador.

Ecuador and Curacao meet in Kansas City

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece dismissed any comparison with Germany’s demolition of Curacao and stressed respect.

First, we’re not Germany. Second, as we’ve done over these years, we always have respect for the opponent. Matches are played on the pitch.

Midfielder Alan Franco said the side had put the opening defeat behind them and would focus on their own game rather than over‑analysing Curacao. The Caribbean nation, the smallest ever to qualify for a World Cup, suffered a 7‑1 loss to Germany and will try to avoid an early exit.