Germany are aiming to maintain their perfect record when they face Ecuador at the New York New Jersey Stadium in their final Group E fixture at the FIFA World Cup.
Die Mannschaft have looked confident so far in the tournament and should get the better of the South Americans, who are struggling to get going.
Key Stats
- Germany have won their two Group E matches.
- Germany have won their last 10 matches across all competitions.
- Germany have won the two previous meetings with Ecuador.
- Ecuador are winless in their two Group E matches.
Germans on Top
Germany have a solid record in this fixture, winning the two previous matches against Ecuador. Die Mannschaft claimed a 3-0 victory in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup and also triumphed 4-2 in a friendly in 2013.
El Tri Desperate to Get Going
Ecuador come into this clash off the back of a 0-0 draw with Curaçao in their previous Group E fixture. They dominated the possession and created multiple chances, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
That result leaves Ecuador on the verge of exiting the competition as they are without a victory after two matches. Sebastian Beccacece’s men began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast and will head into their final fixture needing a win to stay alive.
Ecuador were solid in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, but their disappointing showing at the World Cup is a trend that has continued from a World Cup poor build-up. El Tri have picked up just three wins from their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Germans Keen to Stay Perfect
Germany claimed a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their previous Group E fixture. They fell behind midway through the first half but turned things around after the break thanks to a brace from substitute Deniz Undav.
That was the second win for Germany in North America, having begun their campaign with a 7-1 victory over Curaçao. Julian Nagelsmann's team have already qualified for the round of 32 but will be keen to maintain their momentum heading into the knockout stage.
Germany’s good form stretches beyond this World Cup, as they have shown flashes of their best in recent times. Die Mannschaft have won their last 10 matches across all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Ecuador (3-5-2): Hernan Galindez; Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan, Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia.
Defender Ordonez should return to the starting line-up, having sat out the draw with Curaçao. Caicedo should retain his place in midfield while Valencia is expected to lead the line once again.
Germany (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Malick Thiaw, Antonio Rudiger, David Raum; Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller; Jamie Lewelling, Nadiem Amiri, Maximilian Beier, Nick Woltemade.
Having already qualified, Germany are likely to rest some key players and give others a run-out. Undav has three goals already and could earn his first start after coming off the bench in the opening two matches, while Amiri, Thiaw, and Rudiger are also expected to feature.