GERMANY are already through with two wins from two in Group E.
Can they complete a hat-trick of wins this evening to finish with a 100% record.
Second place looks like it will be Ivory Coast at the moment but can Ecuador or Curacao make a late play for the knockouts.
Julian Nagelsmann springs two changes for Germany but Deniz Undav remains on the bench despite three goals and two assists in two substitute appearances so far at this World Cup.
David Raum and Antonio Rudiger, however, replace injured duo Nathaniel Brown and Nico Schlotterbeck – the latter ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
He is currently averaging a goal or assist every 11 minutes at the World Cup, scoring three goals and assisting two in just 56 minutes of action as a substitute so far.
No player has ever scored in their first three appearances at the tournament as a substitute, while the only German players to score in their first three overall are Gerd Muller in 1970 and Miroslav Klose in 2002.
A bit of history at stake for the forward.
Sebastian Beccacece makes two changes to his Ecuador side that were held goalless by Curacao.
Joel Ordonez and Nilson Angulo replace Jordy Alcivar and Pervis Estupinan as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, former West Ham winger Enner Valencia and Piero Hincapie, whose permanent move to Arsenal was confirmed earlier today, also start.
There are four changes to the Ivory Coast XI which started the 2-1 loss to Germany, including three in defence. Dropping to the bench is key defender Wilfried Singo, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Germans.
Fit enough for the bench is Evan N’Dicka, who missed the first two group games through injury.
Curacao are unchanged from the side who started their historic 0-0 draw with Ecuador. Striker Jurgen Locadia was forced off with a knock during that game but is fit to make the XI.
Goalkeeper Eloy room and captain Leandro Bacuna both earn their 75th senior Curacao cap, a joint national record.
This is a big game for Ivory Coast who need a win to go through.
Curacao have been a good story and got a great draw against Ecuador, but Ivory Coast should have too much firepower for them.
ANALYSIS:
Curacao entered the tournament as rank outsiders and were widely expected to struggle against more established football nations. However, the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup has proven far more competitive than many anticipated.
After finding the net in a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany, Curacao produced one of the surprises of the group stage by holding Ecuador to a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was central to that result, delivering an outstanding performance in Kansas City, while Juninho Bacuna provided creativity in attack as Curacao showed they were capable of troubling opponents at both ends of the pitch.
For Ivory Coast, the stakes are considerably higher. The Elephants opened their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Ecuador thanks to a late winner and followed it up with an impressive display against Germany despite suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Their ability to compete toe-to-toe with one of the tournament favourites for long periods underlined their quality and reinforced their credentials as contenders for a place in the knockout rounds. A victory against Curacao would secure progression, making this arguably their most important group-stage fixture.
Tactically, Ivory Coast are expected to dominate possession and rely heavily on their attacking quality, particularly through winger Yan Diomande. After an influential performance against Germany, Diomande will again be tasked with stretching Curacao’s defensive shape, creating overloads in wide areas and delivering the final ball that can unlock a disciplined back line.
The Ivorians are likely to press aggressively and attempt to score early, knowing that the longer Curacao keeps the match level, the more confidence and belief the Caribbean side will gain.
Defensively, Ivory Coast face some challenges. Coach adjustments have been forced by injuries, most notably to key defender Wilfried Singo, who suffered a hamstring problem against Germany and has been dropped to the bench. His absence contributes to four changes from the side that faced the Germans, including three alterations in defence.
However, the return of Evan N’Dicka to the matchday squad after missing the opening two games through injury provides a significant boost, even if he is not yet ready to start. Gula Doue is expected to fill the void at right-back, and the reshuffled defence will need to remain alert against Curacao’s counter-attacking threat.
Curacao, meanwhile, have opted for continuity by naming the same side that secured the historic draw against Ecuador. The fitness of striker Jurgen Locadia, who was forced off with a knock in the previous game, is a major positive, while captain Leandro Bacuna and goalkeeper Eloy Room are set to earn their 75th international caps, equalling a national record. Expect Curacao to defend in compact lines, limit space between midfield and defence, and rely on transitions through the Bacuna brothers.
Their strategy will revolve around frustrating Ivory Coast, slowing the tempo and turning the game into a test of patience. Nevertheless, while Curacao have shown remarkable resilience, Ivory Coast’s superior attacking depth and quality should give them the edge if they can find a way past Room early enough.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s Prediction: Ivory Coast enter the match with greater momentum and a stronger overall squad. The Elephants pushed Germany all the way in a narrow 2-1 defeat after beating Ecuador, proving they can compete at a high level. Expect Yan Diomande to be the key attacking outlet, using his pace and creativity to stretch Curacao’s compact defensive block.
Curacao will likely sit deep and rely on Eloy Room, who was outstanding against Ecuador, but sustained pressure from Ivory Coast’s forwards should eventually produce goals. The Ivorians’ superior quality in wide areas and attacking transitions could make the difference.
Key factor: Yan Diomande’s ability to create chances against a defence that will spend long periods under pressure.
My Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-1 Curacao
Peter’s Prediction: This may turn into a tense and tactical battle. Curacao proved against Ecuador that they are capable of frustrating technically superior opponents. Eloy Room remains one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers, while captain Leandro Bacuna brings leadership and experience as he earns his 75th international cap.
The longer Curacao keep the game scoreless, the more pressure Ivory Coast will feel knowing a win is essential for qualification. Nevertheless, the Elephants have shown greater consistency in the group and may only need one moment of quality from Diomande or another attacking star to edge a tight contest.
Curacao’s disciplined defensive shape versus Ivory Coast’s patience in possession.
My Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-1 Curacao
Gbenga’s Prediction: This could be the game where Ivory Coast’s attacking firepower finally clicks. Curacao showed against Germany that they can score despite being under pressure, and with Juninho Bacuna orchestrating attacks and Jurgen Locadia fit enough to start, they possess enough quality to trouble the Ivorian defence.
However, Ivory Coast have more weapons across the pitch. Their performance against Germany highlighted their ability to create opportunities against elite opposition. If they score early, Curacao may be forced to open up, creating spaces for Diomande and the Ivorian attackers to exploit.
Key factor: Curacao’s need to chase the game after conceding could play directly into Ivory Coast’s counter-attacking strengths.
My Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Curacao
Gloria’s Prediction: This could be the game where Ivory Coast’s attacking firepower finally clicks. Curacao showed against Germany that they can score despite being under pressure, and with Juninho Bacuna orchestrating attacks and Jurgen Locadia fit enough to start, they possess enough quality to trouble the Ivorian defence.
However, Ivory Coast have more weapons across the pitch. Their performance against Germany highlighted their ability to create opportunities against elite opposition. If they score early, Curacao may be forced to open up, creating spaces for Diomande and the Ivorian attackers to exploit.
Curacao’s need to chase the game after conceding could play directly into Ivory Coast’s counter-attacking strengths.
My Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Curacao