Nagelsmann backs 'Wusiala' duo to ignite in knockout stage after Germany's 2-1 loss to Ecuador

Germany's third World Cup match ended in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but the result had no impact on their progression to the knockout stage. The focus instead remained on the attacking partnership of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, dubbed 'Wusiala', which has yet to replicate the spark it showed at Euro 2024.

The missing magic

At the home European Championship two years ago, Musiala and Wirtz burst onto the tournament with early goals and an almost telepathic understanding. Germany celebrated a new, young duo. In the United States, however, the flow has not returned. After three group games, the pair have not found their rhythm, and the wait for a signature 'Wusiala' moment continues.

Nagelsmann's defence

Speaking after the Ecuador loss, Nagelsmann pushed back against doubts about his two creative dribblers. He acknowledged Wirtz's effort but noted a missing breakthrough.

Flo was very committed, gave it gas. He's lacking a bit of fortune in one or two situations. He's missing that goal, the can-opener action. But that will come, for sure.

On Musiala, who missed months of the season through injury and was away from the national team for over a year, the coach stressed the need for patience.

With Jamal, it's only about rhythm. He was away from us for over a year. We have to give him rhythm. We all know what abilities he has. We have to coax that out of him together — he does too. He has already scored.

Musiala found the net in Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao earlier in the group stage.

Knockout belief

Nagelsmann expressed firm belief that the duo will deliver when the stakes rise. Wirtz, now 23 and a Liverpool regular with 44 caps and 11 international goals, and Musiala, also 23 and a Bayern Munich star, remain central to Germany's plans. The coach's message was clear: the 'Wusiala' moment is not a question of if, but when.