Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has set his sights on top spot in Group A as the team prepare for their next World Cup clash against Ecuador on Tuesday.

The hosts have already made certain of their place in the next round following wins over Costa Rica and Poland.

But Klinsmann insists his players will not be taking things easy against the South Americans next week with both teams battling to be group winners.

"We respect Ecuador, but want to win the group," the coach explained.

"So we will be taking the game very seriously."

Klinsmann, who won the World Cup in 1990, is also confident his nation can turn heads in the knockout stages, having won their opening two matches.

"To prove our philosophy, you need to have belief, and for that, you need to win games," Klinsmann explained.

"I think we have now laid the foundations. We are strong and capable of achieving something at this World Cup."

Klinsmann has fitness concerns over Christoph Metzelder however, after the defender limped out of training on Saturday.

The Borussia Dortmund player twisted his right knee and is now facing a battle to be ready in time for Tuesday's match.

Robert Huth is on standby should Metzelder fail to recover.