Germany are determined to finish top of Group A with a win over Ecuador in Berlin on Tuesday with manager Jurgen Klinsmann demanding his team to go into the last 16 of the World Cup on a high. Both Germany and Ecuador have already secured their place in the second round and are vying for the right to finish top.
"It is not just about winning the group to get the ideal stadia or play against certain opposition, it is to give us more self confidence," Klinsmann said at a press conference on Monday. "We want to go into the last 16 on a high. It has been a good start and hopefully there are five more games for us." Ecuador need just a draw to finish top of the group meaning Germany must become the first team at the finals to score against the South Americans.
With this in mind Klinsmann has promised to field his strongest line-up with captain Michael Ballack starting despite being just one yellow card away from missing the second round tie. "I can't be afraid (of another booking) otherwise I will not win my tackles and that will not be good for us," explained Ballack. Christoph Metzelder and David Odonkor are two other Germany players carrying cautions.
While Klinsmann is set to risk suspensions to key players his Ecuadorian counterpart Luis Suarez has vowed to rest some weary players. "Some players are tired so we may rest them but that does not mean we are playing for a draw," Suarez said. "If we play for a draw there is a good chance we will lose the game."
Striker Agustin Delgado, who has scored in both of Ecuador's matches, echoed his coach's opinion.
"No. We will not settle for a draw. We want to beat Germany and finish top," declared Delgado. "It will be difficult because they have home advantage but I hope it turns out to be a beautiful evening."
During the four-week World Cup tournament 32 teams will play 64 matches. In the coming 31 match days billions of people worldwide will watch the games on television. On 9 July the World Cup trophy will be presented to the winners of the Final which is to be held in Berlin.
