With its victory over Ivory Coast, the German national team has advanced to the knockout round—and also clinched first place in its group last night because Ecuador could not manage more than a draw against Curaçao. How, where, and when does the tournament continue after the Ecuador match? Here’s an overview.
It’s exactly how everyone involved had imagined it: When the German national team hosts its third group-stage opponent, Ecuador, on Thursday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford—the World Cup final venue—the immense pressure will be off. Thanks to Saturday’s late 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, the team has secured its spot in the Round of 16. What’s more: They’ve already clinched first place in the group.
Since Ecuador only managed a 0–0 draw against underdog Curaçao last night, the DFB squad can no longer be displaced from first place in Group E. This also makes it clear what path awaits the German team in the knockout stage.
France looms in the Round of 16
As group winners, Germany will definitely face a third-place team in the Round of 16. Possible opponents include the third-place finishers from Group A (South Korea, the Czech Republic, or South Africa), Group B (Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Qatar), Group C (Brazil, Morocco, or Scotland), Group D (Australia or Paraguay), or Group F (the Netherlands, Sweden, or Japan). One thing is certain: The round of 32 will take place on Monday, June 29 (10:30 p.m.), in Boston.
The round of 16 would then follow on Saturday, July 4 (11:00 p.m.), in Philadelphia. There, Germany would face the winner of Group I (France, Norway, Senegal, Iraq) or another third-place team. It’s the scenario that has been causing unease ever since the draw: facing France—one of, if not the top favorite of this World Cup—so early on would be a bitter twist following their group victory.
The winner in Philadelphia would face, in the quarterfinals—again in Boston (Thursday, July 9, 10 p.m.)—the winner of Group F (Netherlands, Sweden, Japan) or the runner-up from Group A (South Korea, Czech Republic, South Africa), B (Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland), or C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland).