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Germany, already through to the Round of 32 with two wins from two, will aim to complete a perfect Group E campaign against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium. While Julian Nagelsmann is expected to rotate his squad, Ecuador face a must-win clash to keep their knockout hopes alive. Their strong defence will be tested against a German side seeking to maintain momentum.

New Jersey: Four-time champions Germany will look to conclude their flawless Group E campaign when they meet a desperate Ecuador side at MetLife Stadium on Thursday. Having secured maximum points from their opening two fixtures, the Germans have already guaranteed a top-place finish in the group, booking a Round of 32 clash in Boston where they await their opponent.

While manager Julian Nagelsmann has publicly called for his side to maintain their winning rhythm, significant rotation is expected. Germany will be forced into at least one defensive change after center-back Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during the 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast.

Nagelsmann is likely to use this final group fixture to test his squad depth. Legendary veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has conceded just twice while Germany’s attack has plundered nine goals, may be rested. Spotlight remains on forward Deniz Undav, the hero against Ivory Coast, and Liverpool's generational talent Florian Wirtz, who will be eager to leave his mark on the global stage with his first career World Cup goal.

In stark contrast, Ecuador enters the match in a high-stakes, must-win situation to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive for the first time since 2006. After an opening defeat to the Ivory Coast, La Tri endured a deeply frustrating goalless draw against debutants Curacao, failing to capitalise on an astonishing 27 attempts at goal.