Match Preview: Ecuador vs Germany
Germany arrive at MetLife already crowned Group E winners with a perfect record and a goal in every match — the 7-1 demolition of Curaçao and a late 2-1 over Côte d'Ivoire courtesy of Undav, who has three goals in 57 World Cup minutes. With the round of 16 secured, expect Germany to rest starters and lower the tempo, which is the single biggest reason this finale is live. Ecuador, meanwhile, must win to have any chance and even a draw only survives if CIV lose to Curaçao.
Ecuador's tournament has been a study in frustration: solid at the back but toothless, posting over 3.0 xG against Curaçao yet drawing 0-0. Now forced to open up and chase the game, they expose space behind the full-backs for Germany's pace — the classic rotation-versus-desperation tension. We see a genuinely balanced contest: Ecuador's need plus Germany's reshuffled XI make a draw the most likely single result, with BTTS a strong angle given Germany have scored in every match.

