Ecuador produced a stunning upset against Germany in Group E, winning 2–1 despite controlling just 39 per cent possession and generating only 1.27 expected goals. Germany dominated territory with 61 per cent possession and 11 shots, yet their 3.4-fold xG advantage proved meaningless; their goalkeeper faced three shots on target but saved only one, posting a 33.33 per cent save percentage compared to Ecuador's 66.67 per cent. Ecuador's 4–4–2 setup proved tactically resilient, limiting Germany's 3–4–2–1 formation to clear-cut chances despite their numerical advantage in attempts. The South Americans' clinical finishing—converting their limited opportunities into goals—contrasted sharply with Germany's profligacy; their goalkeeper conceded 0.37 expected goals above actual shots faced, suggesting poor shot quality or positioning. Ecuador's defensive solidity, evidenced by their goalkeeper's +0.95 post-shot xG conceded, kept them in a match where they were significantly outshot. This result reshapes Group E's dynamics considerably.