Ecuador overturns Germany to win 2-1 in World Cup group

Ecuador stunned group‑winner Germany by overturning an early Leroy Sané strike to claim a 2‑1 victory in their World Cup Group E encounter on Tuesday night, with Nilson Angulo equalising nine minutes in and Gonzalo Plata netting the winner after a corner, while Julian Nagelsmann’s side saw referee Tori Penso intervene on a disallowed penalty. Germany made two changes to the starting line‑up, with Antonio Rüdiger and David Raum beginning the match. They replaced the injured Nico Schlotterbeck and the lightly‑injured Nathaniel Brown, while coach Julian Nagelsmann largely kept his formation intact. The opening goal arrived after two minutes when Leroy Sané finished from a Florian Wirtz cross. Although Aleksandar Pavlović appeared to commit a foul, referee Tori Penso allowed the goal and VAR did not intervene. Ecuador responded quickly, as Nilson Angulo equalised nine minutes in with a long‑range strike that beat Manuel Neuer. The goal restored parity and set the tone for a tightly contested first half.

German fans lash out at Manuel Neuer after Ecuador equaliser

Both teams created further chances but neither side found the net before the break, leaving the score at 1‑1 at halftime. The match remained evenly balanced despite Germany’s early dominance. The second half began with Germany pressing again, and Kai Havertz fell, prompting the referee to place the ball on the spot. After a VAR review, a previously awarded penalty for Sané’s earlier foul was cancelled, and Ecuador were given a free kick. Ecuador increased their attacking intensity, needing a win to preserve their hopes of advancing, while Germany made several substitutions. Gonzalo Plata missed an early close‑range effort but later headed in from a corner, beating a delayed Manuel Neuer to secure a 2‑1 lead. Germany continued to create chances but could not add another goal, and Ecuador held on for the victory. The result gave Ecuador the win they required to stay in contention for the next round.