Germany have led at HT and FT in seven of their last nine games
Ecuador hit the woodwork three times against Ivory Coast, twice in the first half
Recommended Bet: Germany/Germany - Half-time/Full-time @ 5/4 with LiveScore Bet
On Saturday, Germany take on Ivory Coast in a clash of two Group E rivals who won their opening matches.
Those victories were achieved in contrasting fashion as Julian Nagelsmann's team dismantled Curacao in a 7-1 win that was the perfect tonic for a nation still recovering from two disappointing World Cup cycles.
After Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz combined superbly in a fluid attacking display, Germany will hope for more of the same against the Elephants.
Emerse Faé's side opened their tournament with a disciplined 1‑0 win over Ecuador, sealed by a 90th‑minute strike from Amad Diallo.
With both teams sitting on three points, victory in Toronto would secure a place in the last 16.
The latest Germany vs Ivory Coast odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Nagelsmann is expected to name an unchanged Germany XI after the emphatic opening win.
Manuel Neuer continues in goal behind a back four of Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Nathaniel Brown.
Aleksandar Pavlović and Felix Nmecha anchor midfield, allowing Leroy Sané, Musiala and Wirtz to roam behind Havertz.
As for the Ivory Coast, Faé no longer has to change the team that beat Ecuador.
Elye Wahi was initially denied entry into Canada as officials asked for more information regarding his legal situation.
But the Nice striker has now been granted a visa and will vie with Ange-Yoan Bonny, who replaced him in the second half against Ecuador, for a starting berth alongside Nicolas Pepe.
That will be tough on super sub Amad Diallo, who scored the 90th-minute winner on Sunday, the clinching strike in a recent win over France and 30 per cent of their goals at this year's Africa Cup of Nations.
Yahia Fofana starts in goal, with Ghislain Konan, Emmanuel Agbadou, Wilfried Singo and Guela Doué forming a strong defensive line.
The midfield of Yan Diomandé, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié and Bazoumana Toure provides strength, creativity and pace.
The stats
Germany have scored first-half goals in nine of their last 10 matches and registered 26 shots on goal against Curacao, 12 of which were on target.
Ivory Coast have won six of their last seven matches with five clean sheets in that run.
The Elephants registered only one shot on target in the first half against Ecuador.
Germany have scored two or more in four of their last five matches, while Ivory Coast have scored in 11 consecutive matches.
The latest Germany vs Ivory Coast odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Germany were irresistible against Curaçao, but this match will reveal far more about their true level.
The Elephants' midfield trio of Kessié, Seko Fofana and Diomandé will not allow Musiala and Wirtz the same freedom, while Pépé and Toure offer real threat on the counter.
However, Germany's attacking rhythm looks too strong to ignore. Their movement, rotations and tempo overwhelmed Curaçao and, even against a more disciplined opponent, they should create chances early.
Ivory Coast tend to start matches cautiously, while Germany have scored first in four of their last five outings.
If Nagelsmann's side impose themselves from the opening whistle, they can take control before half‑time and manage the game from there.
Score prediction: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast
Back Germany/Germany - Half-time/Full-time at 5/4 with LiveScore Bet
