Ecuador’s 2-1 victory over Germany in the final matchday of Group E at the 2026 World Cup not only caused a surprise with a spectacular comeback, but also erupted in controversy over the refereeing.
The situation where Leroy Sane opened the score for Germany right in the second minute was allowed by VAR, despite Aleksandar Pavlovic previously making a dangerous challenge on Pedro Vite, is becoming one of the most controversial decisions of the tournament.
Right in the second minute of the match between Germany and Ecuador, Leroy Sane put “The Tank” ahead following an assist from Florian Wirtz. However, the goal immediately became the center of controversy when the preceding play featured a situation where Aleksandar Pavlovic raised his foot very high and kicked Pedro Vite in the head area during a challenge close to Ecuador’s penalty area.
Although the Ecuadorian player fell to the ground, American female referee Tori Penso still let the match continue. After a check, the VAR team operated by Joe Dickerson also confirmed the goal was valid. This decision immediately created a wave of strong reactions from experts and fans.
On social media, famous commentator Danny Baker could not hide his frustration. “Germany was still awarded the goal even though their player kicked straight into the opponent’s face. VAR is now no different from a game of chance just to protect big teams.”
Not only Baker, a series of football pundits in England also collectively believed that the referee and VAR had made a mistake. On television broadcast, Peter Drury and former England forward Alan Smith both asserted that Germany’s goal should not have been allowed.
Alan Smith analyzed: “VAR definitely had to review this situation. The boot was raised too high, and the Ecuadorian player’s head was right there.” He emphasized that this was an extremely dangerous play and had a direct impact on the goal. “I am not sure how heavy the impact was, but Ecuador completely has the right to protest.” Right after that, slow-motion replays circulating on social media showed that Pavlovic’s studs had touched Pedro Vite’s face area.
On the BBC, legend Alan Shearer initially thought the two players did not collide. However, after watching the slow-motion replay, he changed his perspective. “At first I thought there was no contact. But looking back, the sole of the boot grazed the Ecuadorian player’s face. That is enough to disallow the goal.”
Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart believed that Pavlovic had endangered the opponent. “As soon as the foot was raised above eye level, the Ecuadorian players all stopped because they thought the referee would blow the whistle. In my opinion, that was a clear foul.”
Despite the disadvantage from the controversial decision, Ecuador did not lose their spirit. The South American team was forced to win to keep their hopes of advancing alive and responded with a highly courageous performance. Nilson Angulo scored the 1-1 equalizer, ending Ecuador’s streak of 40 unsuccessful shots at the 2026 World Cup. In the 77th minute, Gonzalo Plata capitalized on an opportunity in the penalty area to score the decisive goal, completing the 2-1 comeback against group leaders Germany.
