Overview
- Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium on June 25, securing third place in Group E and advancing to the World Cup last 32.
- Manuel Neuer, who reversed a post‑Euro 2024 retirement to start for Germany, was beaten first by Nilson Angulo’s long‑range strike and then by a near‑post flick that Gonzalo Plata converted.
- Neuer rejected blame after the game, saying the near‑post play was a routine headed flick‑on and telling reporters “I can’t just evaporate” when questioned about his positioning.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann has publicly defended Neuer but faces criticism for persuading the veteran back into the squad and effectively sidelining in‑form goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
- The match has sharpened a wider tournament debate over older stars keeping places from in‑form players and left Germany with clear questions about goalkeeping and defensive setup to address before the knockout phase.