Group winners Germany deliver poor display in loss to Ecuador at 2026 World Cup
Key takeaways
- Germany had already qualified for the knockouts of the 2026 World Cup, but their performance was still disappointing in a 2-1 defeat.
- That seemed to be enough motivation just two minutes into the game, when Leroy Sane finished off the first foray forward.
- Germany were fortunate that the goal stood though, given Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high foot.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Germany had already qualified for the knockouts of the 2026 World Cup, but their performance was still disappointing in a 2-1 defeat.
https://p.dw.com/p/5G4q SEcuador's win means they too are in the last 32 of the World Cup Image: Sarah Yenesel/EPA/IMAGOAdvertisement With top spot already secured, Germany had little to play for other than momentum in New York New Jersey Stadium. That seemed to be enough motivation just two minutes into the game, when Leroy Sane finished off the first foray forward.
Germany were fortunate that the goal stood though, given Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high foot. American referee Tori Penso did not give a foul and VAR did not intervene, leaving Ecuador in disbelief.