Deniz Undav has accepted he will remain on the bench for Germany’s final group-stage match against Ecuador at the World Cup, despite an outstanding record as a substitute in the tournament.
The VfB Stuttgart forward has registered three goals and two assists across Germany’s opening two fixtures, prompting media suggestions he might start at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. However, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has opted to retain the same attacking line-up from the first two matches, with Undav once again set to feature as an impact player.
Undav welcomed the decision without complaint, stressing the importance of team success over personal ambition. “I just try to contribute, whether that’s coming off the bench or starting,” he said at a press conference. “The most important thing is that the team wins – that comes first. Everything else has to take a back seat. I simply try to do my job, and that’s worked out well over the first two matches.”
Defensive reshuffle
While Undav must wait for his chance from the sidelines, Germany will make two alterations to the side that faced Ivory Coast. Antonio Rüdiger comes into the starting XI to replace Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament through injury.
David Raum also steps in at left-back, with Nathaniel Brown missing the fixture as a precautionary measure. These changes mark the only deviations from the pattern established in Germany’s opening victories.
The match at MetLife Stadium, which holds more than 82,000 spectators, offers Germany the opportunity to secure top spot in their group. Undav noted the venue’s imposing nature and expressed hope that German supporters would replicate the vocal backing witnessed during the victory over Ivory Coast.
“The stadium is enormous, so the atmosphere should be fantastic again,” Undav said. “There are a lot of German fans here, and I hope the support will be just as good as it was against Ivory Coast.”
Germany face Ecuador looking to maintain momentum from their opening victories, with Undav ready to add to his tally should Nagelsmann call upon his services during the second half.