The goals, minute by minute
- 2'Leroy SanéGoal · 0-1
- 9'Nilson AnguloGoal · 1-1
- 77'Gonzalo PlataGoal · 2-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Ecuador (23rd FIFA) vs Germany (top seed).
Level of the teams
- Ecuador: a very solid defense (Caicedo, Pacho, Hincapié) and a young European-level squad. A contender to advance.
- Germany: heavy group favorite, a top squad on the rise (Wirtz, Musiala, Kimmich), with plenty of goals and game control.
Key factors
- Germany superior in pedigree, control and depth.
- Ecuador is very solid at the back and dangerous on the counter.
- A possible match for top spot: high voltage.
Prediction
Most likely result: 1-1 draw (alternative: 2-1 Germany)
- Ecuador win: 27%
- Draw: 30%
- Germany win: 43%
Player to watch: Florian Wirtz, Germany's creativity and goals.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Germany is the favorite on pedigree, but Ecuador's solidity makes a tight game likely. A draw is a very possible scenario.