The group stage in Group E of the 2026 World Cup concluded today. Germany, having already secured the top spot in the group, faced Ecuador, who needed a win to advance to the knockout stage.
Germany struck early, opening the scoring in the second minute. However, even German experts acknowledged that the goal should have been disallowed. The build-up involved Pavlovich playing the ball with his foot at head height against an opponent. Following that, Wirtz delivered a pass to Sané, who finished cleanly into the corner. After a VAR review, the goal stood.
Ecuador responded surprisingly quickly. In the ninth minute, Angulo kept it simple, receiving the ball and unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that found the far corner.
Early in the second half, a penalty was initially awarded to Germany after Ordóñez fouled Havertz. Referee Penso was called to review the incident on VAR. It was revealed that the attack had started with a foul by Sané, leading to the penalty being overturned.
Ecuador’s dream began to materialize in the 77th minute. Following a corner delivery, Rodríguez flicked the ball on with his head, allowing Plata to get ahead of Neuer by a fraction and slot the ball into the net.
That goal not only secured Ecuador’s first-ever victory over Germany but also marked their historic qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds.
World Cup 2026
Ecuador 2–1 Germany (1–1 at halftime)
Goals: Sané L., 2 (0–1); Angulo, 9 (1–1); Plata, 77 (2–1)
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