Germany await Ecuador with everything on the line

Germany, Thursday: everything on the line

Your team faces Germany on Thursday in the final World Cup group match, and only a result sends Ecuador through. The 0–0 draw against Curaçao turned this into a must-perform fixture (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8). Beccacece's job is riding on it.

Germany are treating this like a final

Nadiem Amiri made it blunt: "We'll approach the match like a final" (4). Germany have already won the group, but Nagelsmann is demanding full focus, no holiday vibe, no letting up (7). Amiri also shrugged off who they might face next: "We don't really care who comes" (2).

Eight Germans still waiting for minutes

Eight Germany players have yet to feature at this World Cup. That could mean rotation against Ecuador, but it could also mean fringe players with a point to prove (6). Nagelsmann has not tipped his hand on how many changes he will make.

Penso with the whistle

American referee Tori Penso will officiate the match. She has drawn positive reviews during the tournament (3).

Schlotterbeck a doubt for Germany

Nico Schlotterbeck is dealing with an injury and may miss the Ecuador match, Amiri confirmed (2). If he sits, it is one less defensive anchor for your attack to worry about.