Poor show: Ecuador win, Germany disappoint, Neuer blunders

The German side gets off to a fortunate start. In the second minute, a throw-in from Raum finds its way via Pavlovic and Wirtz to Sané, who fires into the bottom left corner. For most observers, though, it is an illegal goal, as Pavlović raises his leg very high when controlling the ball and catches his opponent, Pedro Vite, on the head. While Vite lies on the ground in obvious pain, the referee, Tori Penso of the USA, allows the goal to stand.

In the ninth minute, Ecuador’s Nilson Angulo equalises after Germany gave the ball away in their own half. A 1–1 scoreline at the break is a fair reflection of the game.

Substitutions make no difference

At the start of the second half, Germany is awarded a penalty, which is then overturned after a VAR check because Sané had committed a foul in winning the ball. In the second period the South Americans completely turn the match around. World Cup debuts for Angelo Stiller, Malick Thiaw, Maximilian Beier and Pascal Groß and a switch to a 5-4-1 formation bring no improvement, nor does the introduction of Undav, loudly demanded by the fans in the stadium.

Manuerl Neuer, Germany’s goalkeeper, during the Germany v Ecuador match, New York, 25 June 2026 (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) (Manuerl Neuer, Germany’s goalkeeper, during the Germany v Ecuador match, New York, 25 June 2026 (AP Photo/Pamela Smith))

In the 78th minute, Ecuador’s Plata turns the ball into the net after a corner and a flicked-on header. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer does not cover himself in glory, failing to act decisively and to attack the ball quickly and with conviction. The incident adds fresh fuel to the debate over the 40-year-old’s selection as number one.

Germany slams the brakes on the euphoria

While the Ecuadorians celebrate the victory in emotional scenes in front of tens of thousands of fans, with tears flowing, the German team have slammed on the brakes of the euphoria.

Ecuador’s players celebrate their victory over Germany, New York, 25 June 2026 (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Ecuador’s players celebrate their victory over Germany, New York, 25 June 2026 (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II))

"We had a great start. Unfortunately, straight after the goal, we started playing hara-kiri with our positioning," Nagelsmann told Magena-TV. "If we take the lead that early, then we have to see the job through," the national coach went on, saying.

When presenter Kerne asked whether the team had lacked that final bit of commitment, Nagelsmann reacted tetchily: "Please stop with this nonsense, honestly. Why would the lads not want to go flat out?"

Joshua Kimmich backed up this view on broadcaster ARD: "We absolutely wanted to win the game, but based on the second half, it was a deserved defeat. Nothing has been lost yet, but we cannot allow ourselves any more defeats."