PREVIEW: Ecuador look to keep World Cup hopes alive in mammoth Group E encounter against Germany | OneFootball

Ecuador take on already-qualified Germany in their final World Cup Group E game at Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium knowing only an unlikely win will guarantee passage to the last 32.

The South Americans were fancied as dark horses coming into the tournament, with the likes of Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho and Moisés Caicedo widely tipped to make their mark on the international stage following strong club seasons for Arsenal, PSG and Chelsea respectively.

The way Sebastián Beccacece’s men qualified further engendered optimism, as La Tri finished behind only their manager’s native Argentina in a gruelling qualifying campaign.

But far from shining at this level, they currently find themselves 11th out of 12 third placed teams, having amassed just a single point in what appeared a kind group following defeat against the Ivory Coast and a draw against debutants Curaçao.

Should they draw against Die Mannschaft, La Tri would go level on points with Cape Verde, who currently occupy the eighth and final spot.

But with the West Africans expected to get something against Saudi Arabia following strong displays against Uruguay and Spain, and possessing a superior goal difference, La Tri will be aware that only the most improbable of triumphs is likely to see them through to the last 32.

Unfortunately for Ecuador, previous results are far from promising. They have played Germany only twice before, in the 2006 World Cup and a friendly match in 2013, losing 3-0 in the former and 4-2 in the latter – a combined score of 7-2 across both encounters.

Plus there’s the small matter of Die Nationalelf going unbeaten in their previous 10 clashes against South American opposition, with seven wins and three draws.

Further complicating matters for La Tri will be the other fixture in their group between Curacao and the Ivory Coast. Les Éléphants currently sit second on three points following their late winner over their South American opponents on matchday one, meaning La Selección need to not only win their own game, but rely on the Blue Wave pulling off their own unthinkable victory to stand any chance of qualifying automatically.

Although La Tricolor’s backline isn’t as leaky these days, having shipped just six goals in their last ten games, attack remains a significant problem. Across that same timespan Beccacece’s squad have netted just 11 times, and scored two or more goals on only three occasions.

Enner Valencia is expected to start up front for the South Americans, having been somewhat unfortunate to be denied a goal by Curacao shot stopper Eloy Room’s heroics last time out. Barring injuries Pacho and Hincapié are similarly guaranteed to feature, as is £100m man Caicedo.

John Yeboah and Pervis Estupiñán endured inconsistent performances against Curaçao but will likewise expect to be involved based on their European pedigree, having both played in Serie A last season for Venezia and AC Milan respectively.

Germany, meanwhile, can afford to take their foot off the pedal having already won the group.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side followed up a dominant 7-1 win against Curaçao with a nervy 2-1 triumph over the Ivory Coast, and as such can give their main stars a rest safe in the knowledge that no one can surpass them.

This means Deniz Undav may be given the chance to prove himself as a starter, after the Stuttgart striker managed three goals and two assists off the bench in those previous two matches.

Other fringe players who could feature include Undav’s Stuttgart teammate Jamie Leweling, who starred with 16 goal contributions in 32 Bundesliga matches last term, and Mainz’s Nadiem Amiri, who plundered 12 strikes in 26 outings from attacking midfield.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann could be given the chance to show his worth amid concerns over the form of fellow veteran Manuel Neuer, with Leipzig’s David Raum and Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton potentially occupying the full back positions.

Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown and teenage Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl are all out with injury, and face a race against time to be fit for the knockouts.

Ecuador vs Germany kicks off at 9pm tonight. Coverage can be found on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

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