FIFA World Cup 2026: Leroy Sane scores second-fastest World Cup goal for Germany
New Jersey, June 26
German midfielder Leroy Sane scored the second-fastest goal for his country in the FIFA World Cup history, netting in the 1.49th minute against Ecuador in their final Group E match of the 2026 World Cup, on Thursday, June 25, as per OptaJoe's X handle.
Leroy Sane's goal against Ecuador after just 1 minute and 49 seconds trails only Ernst Lehner's strike against Austria in 1934, which came in the opening minute.
Coming to Sane's goal, Germany made a flying start, scoring with their first shot on target to take an early lead, with Sane finishing off a pass from Florian Wirtz. Positioned centrally inside the box, Sane calmly slotted the ball past diving Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, placing his effort into the bottom-left corner after meeting the delivery from the left.
Ecuador immediately appealed for a foul in the build-up, arguing that Germany's Aleksandar Pavlovic had raised a high boot on Pedro Vite, with replays indicating contact with the Ecuadorian midfielder's head before Sane converted the pass from Wirtz.
However, following a VAR review, the referee's original decision was upheld and the goal stood. The episode ensured a controversial start to the match in New Jersey.
In the match, Ecuador took little time to respond to Germany's early lead as Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute. The forward picked up the ball from distance and unleashed a low effort through a defender's legs, leaving Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with little chance as the ball found the net.
With the score level at 1-1 in the first half, Ecuador shocked Germany in the 77th minute as Gonzalo Plata reacted fastest at a corner, beating Manuel Neuer to the ball and netting home after a near-post flick-on.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking for Ecuador! They held their own and pulled off a stunning comeback. Plata's winner was absolutely brilliant. Germany better watch out - South American teams aren't pushovers anymore. Proud of Ecuador's spirit 💪
Sane's goal was lightning fast, but that high boot incident is concerning. How can you allow a goal when someone's head was nearly taken off? The referee needs more training on these dangerous plays. Glad Ecuador fought back and proved their mettle.
As a neutral fan, this match had everything - controversy, fast goals, and a dramatic winner. Ecuador's resilience is commendable, but Germany's attacking flair is something special. Both teams deserved to progress. Exciting World Cup so far!
Lehner's record from 1934 still stands - that's crazy! Sane came close though. But honestly, Germany's defense looked shaky after the goal. Ecuador fully deserved the win for their never-say-die attitude. Reminds me of how India plays in cricket - fight till the end! 🏆
I was at the stadium in New Jersey and the atmosphere was electric. Ecuador fans went wild after Angulo's equalizer. The VAR decision is a talking point but honestly, football is about moving forward. Bravo to Ecuador for making a statement!
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