Germany’s World Cup line-up vs Ecuador: Rüdiger and Raum start, top scorer Undav once again a substitute
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has named his starting eleven for the final World Cup group match against Ecuador, making only two enforced changes. Despite his three goals in two games, Deniz Undav remains on the bench.
Nagelsmann resists rotation
Germany have already clinched top spot in Group E with six points, but Julian Nagelsmann has opted against large-scale changes for the closing group fixture against Ecuador. At a press conference on the eve of the match, the 38-year-old said he wanted to keep the core of the side together ahead of the knockout phase.
We will make the changes we have to make.
Forced changes at the back
The two alterations are both in defence: Antonio Rüdiger replaces the injured Nico Schlotterbeck in central defence, while David Raum comes in at left-back for Nathaniel Brown. Schlotterbeck suffered a serious ankle ligament injury earlier in the tournament and will play no further part. Brown is managing adductor problems and trained individually during the final session in Winston-Salem. For Rüdiger and Raum, it is their first start of this World Cup.
Toni’s top behaviour when he wasn’t playing is now being rewarded. He is physically at a top level.
Undav’s Joker role continues
Deniz Undav, Germany’s most prolific attacker at the tournament with three goals and two assists, is again named among the substitutes. The VfB Stuttgart striker has provided crucial input from the bench in the first two matches, scoring the winner against Ivory Coast and climbing the tournament’s scoring chart. He is currently just outside the top three, competing with Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi for a podium place.
I try to bring good input, whether from the bench or from the start. The most important thing is that the team wins – that comes first. Everything else has to be put aside. I just try to do my job. That has worked well in two games now.
The line-up
Manuel Neuer remains in goal, with captain Joshua Kimmich, Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah and Raum forming the back four. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha partner in central midfield, while Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz operate behind striker Kai Havertz.
Match details and what comes next
The match kicks off on 25 June at 22:00 CEST at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In Germany, ARD will broadcast the match live and it is also available on MagentaTV. Germany’s round-of-16 opponent will be determined after the group stage concludes; the game is scheduled for Monday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
