New Delhi, June 26 -- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his team committed "tactical suicide" after surrendering an early lead in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador on Thursday, despite having already secured qualification for the World Cup round of 32.

Germany, who finished top of Group E, took the lead in the second minute through Leroy Sane, but Nilson Angulo levelled the score seven minutes later.

Needing a result to reach the knockout stage, Ecuador played with greater urgency after the break and Gonzalo Plata struck the winner in the 77th minute in New Jersey. The victory lifted Ecuador to third place in the group, securing a spot in the last 32.

"We got off to a great start," Nagelsmann said. "Unfortunately, right after scoring, we ...