Germany Names Starting XI for Ecuador Match With 11th-Hour Rotation Before Round of 32

Q: Why is Germany's most clinical striker reportedly unfavored by the coach heading into the knockouts?

Germany’s most clinical striker is reportedly Deniz Undav, and the reason he appears unfavored for a starting knockout role is tactical rather than disciplinary or form-related. Reporting around the squad says Julian Nagelsmann has preferred to use Undav as an impact substitute, even though Undav has been one of Germany’s sharpest finishers. The coach’s earlier explanation was that Undav did not have the stamina profile Nagelsmann wanted from a starter, making him more valuable against tired defenses later in matches. Nagelsmann was criticized for how bluntly he said that, but the underlying idea remained the same. That fits Germany’s broader setup. Nagelsmann’s system relies on fluid movement, pressing intensity and attackers who help stretch defenses and create space, which helps explain why Kai Havertz has kept the central role and why the coach continues to trust combinations built around Musiala, Wirtz and Sané. In that structure, Undav has been viewed less as the default No. 9 and more as a late-game finisher. The available reporting does not suggest a falling-out or a lack of trust in Undav’s quality. On the contrary, he is widely described as highly efficient in front of goal. The issue is that Nagelsmann seems to value his bench impact and the tactical fit of other starters more than pure finishing numbers heading into the knockouts.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 25

Germany confirmed a rotated starting lineup for Thursday’s Group E match against Ecuador, with Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz included.
Round-of-32 qualification already secured gave Julian Nagelsmann room to rest key players and test options before the knockout stage.
Germany locked up first place in Group E after a 7-1 win over Curaçao and a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, setting up a first knockout game against a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F.
Thursday’s match also offers Germany a chance to extend its winning run against Ecuador to 12 straight before the tournament shifts to single-elimination play.