New Jersey, June 25:
Germany might have sealed top spot in Group E, but Ecuador need a win to advance in the World Cup bracket, which really opens up the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Friday.
The Germans have already sealed their place in the knockout stages, which makes this game trickier to predict with a risk of Julian Nagelsmann benching starters. Although, midfielder Nadiem Amiri insists there will be no easing off. He said that he doesn’t expect Nagelsmann to experiment too much.
For Germany, the main talking point is how much Nagelsmann decides to rotate with qualification already secured.
While it would make sense to give some squad players game time – with super-sub Deniz Undav among them – the Germany coach also needs to preserve rhythm and build chemistry ahead of the knockout rounds.
Oliver Baumann could be handed a start in goal after impressing Nagelsmann with his attitude following Manuel Neuer’s return, which saw the Hoffenheim goalkeeper lose his place as Germany’s No. 1.
One change is unavoidable after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury.
Antonio Rüdiger, who came on to replace Schlotterbeck against Cote d’Ivoire, is expected to come into the starting XI alongside Jonathan Tah, giving the pair another opportunity to build an understanding at the heart of the defence.
Another likely change is at left-back, where David Raum could return after losing his place to Nathaniel Brown shortly before the World Cup.
Nagelsmann may also consider giving Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz a breather, but he could just as easily stick with the creative duo to help them build further rhythm ahead of the knockout phase.
Ecuador, meanwhile, need a victory to secure a place in the round of 32 after losing to Cote d’Ivoire 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.
Ecuador have no new injury concerns, but head coach Beccacece could freshen up his side after the disappointing draw against Curacao.
Ecuador’s defence is superb, but they lack any creativity in midfield, with 36-year old Enner Valencia their main target when they go forward.
They dominated against Curacao and had 26 shots (15 on target) but these weren’t high-value chances.