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.
Needing a win to give themselves any chance of making the knockout rounds, Ecuador quickly rallied.
Just seven minutes later, Nilson Angulo took advantage of a ball that fell his way after Felix Nmecha couldn't control it in midfield. The winger drove forward and hammered the ball past Manuel Neuer, who had no chance. "Ecuador, Ecuador, Ecuador" came the chant from the sea of yellow shirts in the stadium.
Collectively and individually, Germany looked short of their best for long periods of the game as the lack of consequence appeared to infuse the players.
