Nagelsmann resists rotation calls, Undav stays on bench for Germany's Ecuador match
With Group E's top spot already secured, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided against wholesale changes for the final group game against Ecuador, keeping in-form forward Deniz Undav as a substitute despite his five scorer points in limited minutes.
Rotation calls rejected
Despite widespread calls from fans and media to give fringe players a chance in a match with no qualification stakes, Nagelsmann confirmed only two changes from the side that beat Ivory Coast 2-1. Antonio Rüdiger replaces the injured Nico Schlotterbeck, who is sidelined with an ankle ligament tear, while David Raum steps in for Nathaniel Brown, who is managing adductor discomfort. The coach cited the need to maintain rhythm for returning players such as Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Felix Nmecha, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, all of whom need competitive minutes ahead of the knockout rounds.
Undav's role cemented
Deniz Undav has scored three goals and provided two assists in just 56 minutes of action at this World Cup, including a decisive brace that overturned a 1-0 deficit against Ivory Coast. Nevertheless, Nagelsmann explained that the striker has an "outstanding joker role" and that the decision is part of a tactical plan for the knockout phase.
Undav accepted the situation publicly:We have an idea. We explained it to Deniz and the other players. We don't make our decisions out of fun and games, but out of conviction.
The important thing is that the team wins. If I weren't satisfied, I wouldn't be here.
Transfer market watch
Lothar Matthäus, Germany's record appearance holder, sees the World Cup as a "transfer market" and believes outstanding performances could prompt top clubs to trigger hefty release clauses. He highlighted Undav and Nmecha, noting that Undav extended his contract with VfB Stuttgart until 2029 and Nmecha with Borussia Dortmund until 2030, but both deals include clauses that top clubs could activate.
Dortmund experienced this in 2023, when Jude Bellingham moved to Real Madrid for over €100 million six months after the World Cup in Qatar.If the immoral offers come, clubs like VfB and BVB cannot say no at some point.
Record in sight
A win against Ecuador would equal a German national record of 12 consecutive victories, a mark set under Jupp Derwall between May 1979 and June 1980. "We want to stay in this flow to appear confident in the Round of 32," sporting director Rudi Völler said. The team last tasted defeat in early September 2025, losing 2-0 away to Slovakia.
From construction worker to World Cup star
Undav's rise has been unconventional. Released by Werder Bremen's academy as a teenager, he trained as a construction machinery operator while playing in the regional fourth tier at TSV Havelse. His former coach Alexander Kiene said Undav needed a disciplined environment to develop his professional habits, and the player has since refined his approach despite a well-known fondness for Döner kebab. That background makes his current status as one of the tournament's most impactful substitutes all the more striking.
