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Deadspin | Rockies turn to Michael Lorenzen in bid for series win vs. Reds  Apr 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA;  Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images   The Cincinnati Reds will face a familiar pitcher on Thursday afternoon when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game series.  Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 5.97 ERA) spent the first seven seasons (2015-21) of his career with the Reds. He’ll look to lead Colorado to a series win after the Rockies recorded a 13-2 victory on Wednesday.  Hunter Goodman homered twice and drove in three runs for the Rockies, who bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the series opener. Brett Sullivan doubled twice among his three hits and had three RBIs on Wednesday.  Cincinnati had won eight of its previous 10 games before the loss.  Mickey Moniak is riding a 13-game hitting streak for Colorado, which has won four of its last five games. Manager Warren Schaeffer said Moniak has been an invaluable part of the team’s early success.  “Behind closed doors, he’s part of what keeps everything around here loose and keeps everybody ready to play,” Schaeffer said. “What he provides off the field is just as big as what he’s providing on the field, but he’s in a really good place offensively, too.”  Moniak doubled in a run on Wednesday, when the Rockies led 8-0 before adding five runs in the ninth against position player Jose Trevino.  Cincinnati will look to bounce back against Lorenzen, who recorded his best start of the young season last Friday. He allowed one run over seven innings in a 4-3 road win over the New York Mets.  “(Lorenzen) picked up the boys,” Schaeffer said. “(The bullpen) was light, for sure. That’s how a teammate steps up for his team. It was big. It was huge for us.”   Tyler Stephenson is 5-for-8 with a home run against Lorenzen, who is 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in three career starts vs. his former team.  Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Andrew Abbott (0-2, 6.59 ERA), who allowed five runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Friday in a game the Reds won 9-8.   Abbott has given up a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts covering 11 2/3 innings.  “I’ve never struggled for this long in my life,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s foreign to me. We’re trying different drills. We’re focusing on one thing, then the next. I don’t really know what to label as the reason. It could just be, I think it’s as simple as pitches over the middle of the plate. It could be something else behind the scenes.”  Brenton Doyle is 4-for-8 with a home run against Abbott, who is 2-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four career starts vs. Colorado.  The Reds could use a lengthy outing from Abbott after Wednesday starter Brandon Williamson lasted just three innings before exiting with left shoulder fatigue.  Williamson, who will have an MRI on Thursday, said the fatigue could be related to his 15-month layoff while recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2024.  “I feel like I’m to the point where I’m just catching up to a lot of, not rehab but just not playing for so long,” Williamson said. “Feel like I’ve just been trying to grind through it. It’s kind of caught up to me a little bit. I’m still just trying to figure it out.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Rockies #turn #Michael #Lorenzen #bid #series #win #Reds

Deadspin | Rockies turn to Michael Lorenzen in bid for series win vs. Reds
Deadspin | Rockies turn to Michael Lorenzen in bid for series win vs. Reds  Apr 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA;  Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images   The Cincinnati Reds will face a familiar pitcher on Thursday afternoon when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game series.  Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 5.97 ERA) spent the first seven seasons (2015-21) of his career with the Reds. He’ll look to lead Colorado to a series win after the Rockies recorded a 13-2 victory on Wednesday.  Hunter Goodman homered twice and drove in three runs for the Rockies, who bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the series opener. Brett Sullivan doubled twice among his three hits and had three RBIs on Wednesday.  Cincinnati had won eight of its previous 10 games before the loss.  Mickey Moniak is riding a 13-game hitting streak for Colorado, which has won four of its last five games. Manager Warren Schaeffer said Moniak has been an invaluable part of the team’s early success.  “Behind closed doors, he’s part of what keeps everything around here loose and keeps everybody ready to play,” Schaeffer said. “What he provides off the field is just as big as what he’s providing on the field, but he’s in a really good place offensively, too.”  Moniak doubled in a run on Wednesday, when the Rockies led 8-0 before adding five runs in the ninth against position player Jose Trevino.  Cincinnati will look to bounce back against Lorenzen, who recorded his best start of the young season last Friday. He allowed one run over seven innings in a 4-3 road win over the New York Mets.  “(Lorenzen) picked up the boys,” Schaeffer said. “(The bullpen) was light, for sure. That’s how a teammate steps up for his team. It was big. It was huge for us.”   Tyler Stephenson is 5-for-8 with a home run against Lorenzen, who is 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in three career starts vs. his former team.  Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Andrew Abbott (0-2, 6.59 ERA), who allowed five runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Friday in a game the Reds won 9-8.   Abbott has given up a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts covering 11 2/3 innings.  “I’ve never struggled for this long in my life,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s foreign to me. We’re trying different drills. We’re focusing on one thing, then the next. I don’t really know what to label as the reason. It could just be, I think it’s as simple as pitches over the middle of the plate. It could be something else behind the scenes.”  Brenton Doyle is 4-for-8 with a home run against Abbott, who is 2-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four career starts vs. Colorado.  The Reds could use a lengthy outing from Abbott after Wednesday starter Brandon Williamson lasted just three innings before exiting with left shoulder fatigue.  Williamson, who will have an MRI on Thursday, said the fatigue could be related to his 15-month layoff while recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2024.  “I feel like I’m to the point where I’m just catching up to a lot of, not rehab but just not playing for so long,” Williamson said. “Feel like I’ve just been trying to grind through it. It’s kind of caught up to me a little bit. I’m still just trying to figure it out.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Rockies #turn #Michael #Lorenzen #bid #series #win #RedsApr 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds will face a familiar pitcher on Thursday afternoon when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 5.97 ERA) spent the first seven seasons (2015-21) of his career with the Reds. He’ll look to lead Colorado to a series win after the Rockies recorded a 13-2 victory on Wednesday.

Hunter Goodman homered twice and drove in three runs for the Rockies, who bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the series opener. Brett Sullivan doubled twice among his three hits and had three RBIs on Wednesday.

Cincinnati had won eight of its previous 10 games before the loss.

Mickey Moniak is riding a 13-game hitting streak for Colorado, which has won four of its last five games. Manager Warren Schaeffer said Moniak has been an invaluable part of the team’s early success.

“Behind closed doors, he’s part of what keeps everything around here loose and keeps everybody ready to play,” Schaeffer said. “What he provides off the field is just as big as what he’s providing on the field, but he’s in a really good place offensively, too.”

Moniak doubled in a run on Wednesday, when the Rockies led 8-0 before adding five runs in the ninth against position player Jose Trevino.

Cincinnati will look to bounce back against Lorenzen, who recorded his best start of the young season last Friday. He allowed one run over seven innings in a 4-3 road win over the New York Mets.


“(Lorenzen) picked up the boys,” Schaeffer said. “(The bullpen) was light, for sure. That’s how a teammate steps up for his team. It was big. It was huge for us.”

Tyler Stephenson is 5-for-8 with a home run against Lorenzen, who is 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in three career starts vs. his former team.

Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Andrew Abbott (0-2, 6.59 ERA), who allowed five runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Friday in a game the Reds won 9-8.

Abbott has given up a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts covering 11 2/3 innings.

“I’ve never struggled for this long in my life,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s foreign to me. We’re trying different drills. We’re focusing on one thing, then the next. I don’t really know what to label as the reason. It could just be, I think it’s as simple as pitches over the middle of the plate. It could be something else behind the scenes.”

Brenton Doyle is 4-for-8 with a home run against Abbott, who is 2-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four career starts vs. Colorado.

The Reds could use a lengthy outing from Abbott after Wednesday starter Brandon Williamson lasted just three innings before exiting with left shoulder fatigue.

Williamson, who will have an MRI on Thursday, said the fatigue could be related to his 15-month layoff while recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

“I feel like I’m to the point where I’m just catching up to a lot of, not rehab but just not playing for so long,” Williamson said. “Feel like I’ve just been trying to grind through it. It’s kind of caught up to me a little bit. I’m still just trying to figure it out.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #turn #Michael #Lorenzen #bid #series #win #Reds

Apr 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds will face a familiar pitcher on Thursday afternoon when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 5.97 ERA) spent the first seven seasons (2015-21) of his career with the Reds. He’ll look to lead Colorado to a series win after the Rockies recorded a 13-2 victory on Wednesday.

Hunter Goodman homered twice and drove in three runs for the Rockies, who bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the series opener. Brett Sullivan doubled twice among his three hits and had three RBIs on Wednesday.

Cincinnati had won eight of its previous 10 games before the loss.

Mickey Moniak is riding a 13-game hitting streak for Colorado, which has won four of its last five games. Manager Warren Schaeffer said Moniak has been an invaluable part of the team’s early success.

“Behind closed doors, he’s part of what keeps everything around here loose and keeps everybody ready to play,” Schaeffer said. “What he provides off the field is just as big as what he’s providing on the field, but he’s in a really good place offensively, too.”

Moniak doubled in a run on Wednesday, when the Rockies led 8-0 before adding five runs in the ninth against position player Jose Trevino.

Cincinnati will look to bounce back against Lorenzen, who recorded his best start of the young season last Friday. He allowed one run over seven innings in a 4-3 road win over the New York Mets.

“(Lorenzen) picked up the boys,” Schaeffer said. “(The bullpen) was light, for sure. That’s how a teammate steps up for his team. It was big. It was huge for us.”

Tyler Stephenson is 5-for-8 with a home run against Lorenzen, who is 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in three career starts vs. his former team.

Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Andrew Abbott (0-2, 6.59 ERA), who allowed five runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Friday in a game the Reds won 9-8.

Abbott has given up a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts covering 11 2/3 innings.

“I’ve never struggled for this long in my life,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s foreign to me. We’re trying different drills. We’re focusing on one thing, then the next. I don’t really know what to label as the reason. It could just be, I think it’s as simple as pitches over the middle of the plate. It could be something else behind the scenes.”

Brenton Doyle is 4-for-8 with a home run against Abbott, who is 2-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four career starts vs. Colorado.

The Reds could use a lengthy outing from Abbott after Wednesday starter Brandon Williamson lasted just three innings before exiting with left shoulder fatigue.

Williamson, who will have an MRI on Thursday, said the fatigue could be related to his 15-month layoff while recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

“I feel like I’m to the point where I’m just catching up to a lot of, not rehab but just not playing for so long,” Williamson said. “Feel like I’ve just been trying to grind through it. It’s kind of caught up to me a little bit. I’m still just trying to figure it out.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Rockies #turn #Michael #Lorenzen #bid #series #win #Reds

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain  On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.What are the Group E standings?Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsGermany20092+76Ivory Coast1012203Ecuador01101-11Curaçao01117-61What are the next Group E matches?Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.What are the current scenarios for Group E?Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.  #World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

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