World Cup – Sané scores as Germany loses 1-2 to Ecuador

The third round of Group E matches in the 2026 World Cup saw Germany, playing at the Metropolitan Life Stadium, lose 1-2 to Ecuador after a goal from Sané.

Two minutes into the match, Germany launched a passing game, with Wirtz receiving the ball and passing it across to Sané, who fired a low shot from inside the box to give Germany a 1-0 lead. In the 7th minute, Wirtz received the ball outside the box and unleashed a long-range shot, but it was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 9th minute, Ecuador intercepted the ball and launched a counter-attack. Pedro Witt passed the ball across the box, and Nilsson Angulo, at the edge of the penalty area, received it and fired a long-range shot into the net, helping Ecuador equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 14th minute, Germany launched an attack. Musiala crossed from the left, but Nmecha's shot went wide. Ecuador then took a corner, but it was saved by German goalkeeper Neuer. In the 25th minute, Raum chipped a pass into the box from the left, and Havertz headed the ball, but it was caught by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Garindes.

In the 34th minute, Wirtz dribbled forward and passed the ball directly to Musiala, whose shot was blocked. In the 38th minute, Nmecha received a pass from Sane and took a long-range shot, but it was cleared by an opposing player.

In the first half stoppage time, Raum delivered a cross, and Wirtz followed up with a shot from the penalty area, but it was blocked.

At the start of the second half, Germany launched an attack down the right flank. Havertz was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee initially awarded Germany a penalty. However, after VAR intervention, it was determined that Sané had fouled while challenging for the ball, and the penalty was overturned.

In the 54th minute, Johan Yeboa took a corner kick, and Caicedo's header went wide. In the 62nd minute, Johan Yeboa passed the ball to Enner Valencia, who took a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but it was saved by German goalkeeper Neuer. Shortly after, Wirtz received a pass from Windav and took a shot, but it was blocked.

In the 73rd minute, Nilsson Angulo crossed the ball, and Caicedo received a pass from Gonzalo Plata in the ensuing scramble before shooting, but the shot went wide. In the 76th minute, Windav passed the ball to Sané, who followed up and managed to shoot while dealing with the defense, but the ball was caught by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Garindes.

In the 77th minute, Ecuador took a corner kick, Kevin Rodriguez headed the ball across, and Gonzalo Plata then kicked it into the goal, giving Ecuador a 2-1 lead over Germany. In the 86th minute, Raum crossed the ball, and Baier's header went wide.

In stoppage time of the second half, Gross passed the ball to Windav and unleashed a powerful shot, but the ball went wide of the post.

Ultimately, Germany, who had already qualified, lost 1-2 to Ecuador.

Image source: Internet