Germany earned an 11th straight victory when they defeated Ivory Coast
The Elephants are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time
Ecuador recorded 26 shots against Curacao but were held to a goalless draw
Germany’s late victory over the Ivory Coast saw Julian Nagelsmann’s men win Group E and seal their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The Elephants will now aim for the runners-up spot and face Curacao in their third and final group game.
Ecuador, who have just a point after failing to get the better of the Blue Wave, need to beat Germany as another draw will probably not be enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Here we look at the third and final round of Group E matches and pick out the best bets.
Best Bets:
Ivory Coast to win and Amad Diallo anytime goalscorer @ 8/5
Curacao vs Ivory Coast (Thursday, 9pm)
Curacao scored their first-ever World Cup goal in their maiden appearance against Germany and followed it up with the nation’s first tournament point, earning a hard-earned draw with Ecuador.
The Blue Wave now take on Ivory Coast knowing a shock victory could take them through to the knockout stages.
However, the Elephants are superior opposition and should be far more ruthless in front of goal than Ecuador as Emerse Fae’s side aim to take second place and advance.
Scoring a late winner to beat La Tri in the opener, Ivory Coast also took the lead against Germany and will be confident of breaking down the Curacao rearguard.
The African side are huge favourites to take the three points and backing Amad Diallo to net anytime could prove a smart play.
Coming off the bench against Ecuador early in the second half, the Manchester United winger struck in the last minute and started against Germany.
Hitting three shots so far in this tournament, Diallo is likely to have more opportunities in the final group game as Curacao have faced a total of 52 shots in their first two matches.
Score prediction: Curacao 0-3 Ivory Coast
See the latest Curacao vs Ivory Coast odds on LiveScore Bet
Ecuador vs Germany (Thursday, 9pm)
Ecuador boast one of the meanest defences at the World Cup but also appear toothless in attack and that has been reflected in their opening two matches.
La Tri entered the tournament having conceded just five goals in qualifying and have let in just one goal in Group E, a late winner from Ivory Coast.
However, despite recording 26 shots against Curacao, Ecuador failed to hit the back of the net and so are yet to score and have just a point on the board before facing Germany in their final group game.
Die Mannschaft sealed top spot and progression to the knockout stages by coming from behind to beat the Ivory Coast and manager Julian Nagelsmann could now decide to make changes to his side ahead of the last 32.
Whatever team takes to the field against La Tri, Germany still look too strong and should win while also keeping a clean sheet.
Ecuador will be low on confidence after failing to score past Curacao and may be set for another frustrating evening in New Jersey which could spell the end of their tournament.
Score prediction: Ecuador 0-2 Germany
See the latest Ecuador vs Germany odds on LiveScore Bet
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