Group E winners Germany will look to maintain their 100% record as they take on Ecuador at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday evening.
Germany have already confirmed top spot in Group E with a game to spare, as they won both of their opening two group-stage matches in very different circumstances.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 in their opener, but found things more difficult against the Ivory Coast.
Ex- Milan midfielder Franck Kessie had given the Elephants the lead after 30 minutes, but a brace from Stuttgart striker Denis Undav – with the second of those coming deep into stoppage time – sealed all three points and top spot in the group.
Ecuador were on the end of a late goal in their group opener, as they lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast, with Manchester United’s Amad Diallo getting the goal.
Sebastian Beccacece’s men then fluffed their lines on MD2, as they somehow failed to find the breakthrough against Curacao, as they were held to a goalless draw by the small Caribbean nation.
That result means that La Tri must win in New Jersey on Thursday night, or they face the prospect of a disappointing early exit.
How the bookies view it: Germany favourites
Germany are favourites to make it three wins from three in Group E, with bet365 pricing them at 9/10 to claim all three points.
Ecuador are 13/5 to get the win they require, whilst the draw is 31/10.
Head to head: Two from two for Germany
Germany have been victorious in both previous meetings with Ecuador, including a 3-0 success in the group stages of the 2006 edition – in a tournament that the Germans hosted.
Players to watch: Deniz to deliver again?
Deniz Undav was the hero against Ivory Coast last time out, as he came off the bench to score twice to secure a comeback victory for Die Mannschaft.
The Stuttgart striker also scored in their opening-day thrashing of Curacao, and is an appealing 7/4 to score for the third consecutive match in Group E.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Ecuador appears to have no new injury concerns or suspensions.
Germany will be without defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to injury.
Ecuador: Galindez, Franco, Pacho, Hincapie, Alcivar, Yeboah, Caicedo, Vite, Estupinan, Plata, Valencia
Germany: Baumann, Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown, Nmecha, Pavlovic, Sane, Musiala, Wirtz, Undav
Anything else catch the eye?
After picking up just one point from their opening two group stage matches, Ecuador know only a win will be enough to secure their place in the knockout stages.
La Tri have somehow failed to score a goal across those opening two clashes in Group E, but I reckon that will change against a Germany side that will rotate, having already sealed top spot.
Both Teams to Score has landed in five of Germany’s last six matches – including both of their encounters at the tournament – and a repeat pays a backable 3/4 at bet365.
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