Ecuador advance after controversial Germany opener

Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Germany became one of the talking points of the World Cup night, not only because it sent the South Americans into the knockout stage, but because of the controversy around Germany’s early goal.

According to The Guardian’s live report from Germany against Ecuador, Leroy Sané put Germany ahead inside two minutes, but Ecuador were furious that play had been allowed to continue after Aleksandar Pavlović’s high boot caught Pedro Vite in the head area shortly before the goal.

VAR did not intervene, and the goal stood. Ecuador recovered quickly, equalising through Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute before Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th.

The decision still drew heavy criticism. According to TV 2’s overnight World Cup round-up, Danish football expert Bo Henriksen called the lack of a VAR review a “scandal”.

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“That VAR does not even look at it is a scandal. I can fully understand that they are angry, furious, frustrated and enraged, because there is no doubt at all. He kicks him directly in the head. It is a huge, huge, huge mistake by VAR,” Henriksen said.

Germany had already secured top spot in Group E, but the defeat ended an 11-match winning streak. Ecuador, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

Sweden squeeze through after Elanga equaliser

Sweden also booked their place in the Round of 32, although their route was far from comfortable.

According to FIFA’s match report from Japan against Sweden, Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead before Anthony Elanga equalised with a powerful finish. The 1-1 draw was enough for both nations to progress behind the Netherlands in Group F.

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Sweden finished third in the group, but their four points were enough to carry them through as one of the best third-placed teams.

The result was welcome. The injury news was not.

Hien injury overshadows Swedish relief

Sweden’s qualification was dampened by the sight of Isak Hien leaving the match injured in the first half.

According to Aftonbladet’s report on Hien’s injury, the defender was forced off in the 37th minute and was later seen on crutches. Sweden’s staff said he would be examined further, but the early signs were not encouraging.

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Graham Potter did little to calm fears after the game.

“I think so. It looks bad. It is devastating for him,” the Sweden coach said when asked whether Hien’s tournament could be over.

Victor Nilsson Lindelöf also went off, but his situation appears less serious. The Swedish defender was reportedly suffering from cramp and is expected to be available again.

Goals and crowds reach new highs

The expanded 48-team World Cup also continued to rewrite the record book.

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Auston Trusty’s early goal for the United States against Turkey was the 173rd goal of the tournament, moving the 2026 edition beyond the 172 goals scored across the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar. According to FIFA’s report from Turkey’s 3-2 win over the United States, the result did not stop the USA from advancing, but it ended their group stage with a reminder that the knockouts will bring a different level of pressure.

The attendance record also fell. According to Yahoo Sports’ report citing FIFA’s attendance figures, the tournament reached 3,605,357 spectators during the Germany-Ecuador match at MetLife Stadium, surpassing the previous World Cup record of 3,587,538 set in the United States in 1994.

With the knockout rounds still to come, both records will continue to rise.

Other results keep bracket moving

Elsewhere, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to finish their group in style, while Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to reach the knockout stage from Group E.

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Paraguay and Australia played out a tense 0-0 draw in San Francisco. According to The Guardian’s live coverage of Paraguay against Australia, Australia advanced as second in Group D, while Paraguay also put themselves in position to continue as one of the best third-placed teams.

The night left the knockout picture much clearer, but not without complications. VAR had another major debate. Sweden moved on with defensive worries. Norway now have one of their own.

Norway lose Ryerson before France test

Julian Ryerson will miss Norway’s final group match against France after the injury he suffered early in the 3-2 win over Senegal.

According to VG’s report on Ryerson’s absence, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken confirmed that the Borussia Dortmund defender will not be in the squad.

“Yes, he is ruled out for tomorrow. He has not gone home, we are keeping him here and hope he makes progress. He is better today than yesterday. But tomorrow he is not close,” Solbakken said.

That leaves Norway short at right-back before a match that will decide who tops the group. France lead on goal difference, meaning Norway need a win to finish first.

For a tournament that has already delivered records, controversy and late drama, the next stage is now arriving with several major nations carrying both momentum and fresh concerns.