Ecuador vs. Germany preview: Team news and predicted lineups
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
Having already secured top spot in Group E with victories over Curacao (7-1) and Cote d'Ivoire (2-1), Germany will wrap up the group stage against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Thursday (22:00 CEST).
Ecuador, meanwhile, need a victory to secure a place in the round of 32 after losing to Cote d'Ivoire and most recently being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Curacao. Despite registering 27 shots, Sebastián Beccacece's side failed to score and now face a must-win encounter.
Although Germany's place in the knockout stages is already guaranteed, midfielder Nadiem Amiri insists there will be no easing off.
"We need to keep this momentum going. Winning breeds confidence. We owe it to the other sides to approach the game as though our own tournament depends on it. It’s still a very important match," Amiri said, adding that he doesn't expect Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to experiment too much.
“Lots of Germany fans will be in the stadium, with many more watching back home. We want to win and we’ll give it everything. I can’t see Julian experimenting too much. We’ll approach it like a final.”
Team news and predicted lineups:
Ecuador have no new injury concerns, but head coach Sebastián Beccacece could freshen up his side after the disappointing draw against Curacao.
As for Germany, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed he is planning just two changes to his starting lineup, despite his team already being certain to finish top of Group E.
Antonio Rüdiger will come in for Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, while David Raum will deputise for Nathaniel Brown, who will sit out as a precaution.
In-form Deniz Undav, meanwhile, will once again have to settle for a place on the bench from the start.
Click here to see our predicted Ecuador vs. Germany lineups.
