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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered another monumental shock. Entering their final Group E fixture as massive underdogs, Ecuador defied the odds to topple a formidable German side. With their tournament lives hanging by a thread, the South American squad displayed relentless pressing, tactical discipline, and sheer willpower. This landmark victory not only ended Germany’s 11-match winning streak but also booked Ecuador’s ticket to the knockout rounds for only the second time in their nation’s history, sparking nationwide celebrations and a declared national holiday by President Daniel Noboa.
The match ignited instantly, with Germany drawing first blood just 89 seconds after kickoff. Florian Wirtz set up Leroy Sané, who slotted a clinical finish past Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. The goal was steeped in controversy, as Ecuador fiercely appealed for a high-boot foul by Aleksandar Pavlović on Pedro Vite during the buildup, but the referee and VAR allowed the play to stand.
Refusing to fold, Ecuador struck back almost immediately. In the ninth minute, Felix Nmecha lost possession in midfield, allowing Nilson Angulo to unleash a spectacular low strike through Pavlović’s legs and past a diving Manuel Neuer, marking Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament.
The second half brought immense tension, highlighted by a massive VAR intervention that overturned a German penalty awarded in the 47th minute after it was determined Sané had committed a foul beforehand. The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute: Kevin Rodríguez won a crucial header off a corner kick, flicking it perfectly for Gonzalo Plata to stab home the game-winner from close range. Ecuador’s defense held resolute through seven agonizing minutes of stoppage time to complete the historic 2-1 upset.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | Qualification Status |
| 1 | Germany | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 6 | Advanced (Round of 32) |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 | Advanced (Round of 32) |
| 3 | Ecuador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Advanced (Round of 32) |
| 4 | Curaçao | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 | Eliminated |
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Leroy Sané opened the scoring for Germany in the 2nd minute. Ecuador responded with goals from Nilson Angulo (9′) and the game-winner from Gonzalo Plata (77′).
No. Despite the 2-1 loss, Germany finished at the top of Group E with 6 points (superior goal difference) and advanced to the Round of 32 alongside Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
You can watch the upcoming knockout stage matches in high definition through Sports Live Hub (SLH), which offers premium live streaming and real-time match data.
A penalty was initially awarded to Germany after Kai Havertz was brought down in the box. However, a VAR review revealed that Leroy Sané had committed a foul on Ecuador’s Pedro Vite during the buildup, leading the referee to overturn the decision.
