Group E’s final matchday saw Germany fall 2-1 to Ecuador. It was the kind of limp performance that enhances the reputation of all those who did not play. Namely, left back Nathaniel Brown. The Bayern Munich transfer target (though it might already be a done deal) missed the final group stage match due to some muscular complaints, replaced by David Raum.
The World Cup is picking up pace, though, and matches are starting to come thick and fast. Unlike in the group stages, where games were spaced nearly
an entire week apart, Brown only has a few days to recover before Monday’s Round of 32 match.
Asked if the current Eintracht Frankfurt player would be able to play in the next match, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann could not guarantee his involvement.
“He’s doing well,” Nagelsmann told reporter Patrick Berger, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I think he’ll be able to play on Monday.”
Raum is a capable replacement but it is always preferable to have one’s best players available. Fingers crossed the 22-year-old will be fit in time to play against Group C’s third placed team in the Round of 32 on Monday.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
