Ecuador to rest injured players for World Cup game against Germany

Ecuador will rest their injured players while facing host Germany in their World Cup Group A match on Tuesday, said coach Luis Suarez on Friday.

"Some of the guys are very tired or affected by injuries," Suarez said on Friday as the team returned to their training base after the 3-0 win over Costa Rica, which enabled them to become the first team into the last 16.

On Tuesday, Ecuador will miss striker Carlos Tenorio and midfielder Luis Valencia and forward Agustin Delgado is said to be a doubt.

Valencia and Tenorio, who scored his second goal of the tournament against Costa Rica, both have injured ankles.

Geovanny Espinoza was nursing a knock and Delgado, who also scored his second of the tournament against the Costa Ricans, has been suffering constant knee and back pains.

"I will change the entire team if they are not fit enough for this tough match against Germany, but I don't think that will be necessary," Suarez said.

Both Ecuador and Germany have six points, but a draw against the host in Berlin would be enough to guarantee Ecuador top spot in the group due to superior goal difference.

Source: Xinhua