'I try to contribute' - Deniz Undav thrives as Germany's World Cup super-sub weapon

The VfB Stuttgart forward has made a huge impression in Germany's opening two matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists after being introduced as a substitute. His performances led to calls from German media for him to earn a starting place against Ecuador in the final group-stage match on Thursday.

However, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to keep Undav among the substitutes, choosing to maintain the starting XI that helped Germany win their opening games, apart from changes forced by injuries.

Undav has accepted the decision and remained focused on helping the team whenever he is needed.

"I just try to contribute, whether that's coming off the bench or starting," Undav said.

"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."

The forward is also excited about playing at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where Germany will face Ecuador in front of a large crowd.

"The stadium is enormous, so the atmosphere should be fantastic again. There are a lot of German fans here, and I hope the support will be just as good as it was against Ivory Coast," he said.

Germany are expected to make two changes for the match, with Antonio Rudiger set to replace the injured Nico Schlotterbeck, while David Raum is likely to come in for Nathaniel Brown, who will miss the game as a precaution.