India, June 26 -- Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has slammed FIFA for their World Cup scheduling format, saying that his side are being "punished for winning the group."

Despite a 2-1 defeat in their final group stage match against Ecuador, Die Mannschaft had been assured of qualification to the Round of 32 after winning their first two games. As Group E table-toppers, they will face a third-placed team from Group A, B, C, D, or F in Boston on Monday, June 29, but their opponents will not be confirmed until the final fixtures of all groups conclude on Saturday night.

The logistical headache will be greater for their eventual opponents, who will need to travel to Boston at short notice. Germany are thus relatively better off. as they ...