Germany: Lehmann, Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Huth, Schneider (Asamoah 73), Ballack, Frings (Borowski 66), Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose (Neuville 66)

Ecuador: Mora, De La Cruz, Guagua, Espinosa, Ambrossi, Valencia (Lara 63), E. Tenorio, Mrendez, Ayovi (Urrutia 68), Borja (Benitez 46), Kaviedes

Match Report: With both sides already qualified from Group A to the knockout stages, the only question left to answer was which team wanted to control their own destiny by winning the Group to give them a possibly easier route in the coming rounds. I say possibly, as England await the losers Ecuador and they seem to be pretty happy with that.

Ecuador decided to rest several players for the game, while Germany went out with a strength side, with Huth coming in for the injured Metzelder the only change. It appeared that germany would rather not take the risk of facing England next, if at all posssible.

A very lively start to this match brought an early chance for Ecuador to take the lead, when Kaviedes beat everyone to a near post cross with less than a minute on the clock, but failed to get enough on the ball to divert it home. Moments later Ecuador would rue their missed chance.

Poor defending at the back gave Schweinsteiger possession in a dangerous area and his look up and cut back fell temptingly for Klose who needed no second invitation to bury the ball past Mora. A good finish by a man that looks on top of his form.

Germany could now relax with their one goal cushion, and now set about dominating the possession. In truth, Ecuador seemed happy to let them have it and the match took on an air of little importance. Credit must go to the Germans who definitely did not want to just run down the clock, but decided on playing attacking football and going after the win.

Lahm again looked penetrative down the Left for Germany, and one of his crosses gave Schneider a good opportunity to strike, but the resultant volley soared over. Schneider too was busy down the opposite flank and produced some good passing into forward positions, almost getting Klose in again with a deft little chip.

Germany also closed down well and were quick to break when they turned over the Ecuador possession. Ballack almost put Podolski in with a pass that carved through the middle of Ecuador's defence, but Mora was off his line quickly to parry away. The rebound came back to Ballack who tried an audacious lob from the half way line as Mora retreated, anxiously watching it over.

Ballack again got involved with a flick over the defence which Klose was on to quickly to turn and volley, just over. Just before half time Ballack repeated the move with greater success. The same scooped flick over the defence was anticipated by Klose, who muscled Espinosa off the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

A good end to an absolutely dominant half for Germany.

Half Time: Ecuador 0 Germany 2

Edwin Tenorio produced Ecuador's first real effort with a 35 yard blast that Lehmann tipped over his bar. The german keeper was taking no chances with the swerving ball.

Again the Germans took over the match. Lahm beat Guagua down the Left as the huge Ecuadorian seemed to chicken out of the tackle with the tiny German. Ecuador did seem to be taking it a bit too easy. Lahm managed to square the ball for Podolski, whose left foot shot drifted agonisingly wide.

Mendez again tested Lehmann with a carbon copy of Tenorio's earlier strike, with the same policy being adopted by the safe German keeper.

Then a great move by the Germans finished off the game well and truly. Schweinsteiger's perfect pass to Schneider on the right wing turned the Ecuadorian defence and caught them flat. Schneider then produced an accurate cross for Podolski to connect with a flying left foot lunge that crept just inside the post. Another quality goal.

The match effectively now was over. Both sides exchanged the odd shot and enjoyed unpressured possession, but decided to take the result. Substitutions were used to rest one or two bodies, and the Germans finished worthy victors.

The Germans will be happy to avoid England in the next round. Ecuador will be glad to be in it, and having seeen England's own performances, they might just fancy their chances.

Full Time: Ecuador 0 Germany 3

Germany: Lehmann 6, Lahm 6, Friedrich 4, Mertesacker 6, Huth 4, Schneider 8(Asamoah 5), Ballack 7, Frings 6 (Borowski 5), Schweinsteiger 5, Podolski 6, Klose 7 (Neuville 5)

Ecuador: Mora 6, De La Cruz 4, Guagua 3, Espinosa 5, Ambrossi 5, Valencia 5 (Lara 6), E. Tenorio 6, Mrendez 6, Ayovi 4 (Urrutia 5), Borja 6 (Benitez 4), Kaviedes 6

Referee: V.Ivanov (Russia) 7. An easy game to referee, but did it well. Only 2 bookings, must be a record at this world cup.

Good: Germany look to be improving with every game. A bit ominous for the teams that get them in the knockout stages.

Bad: Huth. That feak should be sent off every game he plays in. He just physically assaults everyone he comes into contact with. And he seems to get away with it all the time.

Ugly: The Ecuador National Anthem was a strange one. It sounded like a cross between the "Archers" music and the Laurel & Hardy theme tune.