Germany thump in three to storm past Ecuador

Published on Tuesday 20 June 2006 16:59

Ecuador 0

Germany 3

Klose 4, Klose 44, Podolski 57

90 minutes in 90 words

After four minutes, Ecuador conceded their first goal of this tournament. From that point on Germany looked comfortable and their goals in the 44th and 57th minute confirmed this. Germany could have had more but at times seemed bizarrely tentative in front of goal. One hesitates to use the clich about Germans being efficient but this was an efficient performance. It has to be said the last 15 minutes were far from lively. Both sides go through anyway so perhaps Ecuador did not feel the need for a gallant fightback.

Hero

Klose's two goals were smoothly taken.

Villain

Ecuador could have made a wee bit more of an effort to salvage some pride.

What have we learned?

Germany are, err, efficient.

Teams

Ecuador Mora, Espinoza, Guagua, Ambrossi, De la Cruz, Mendez, Ayovi (off 68), Tenorio, Valencia (off 63), Kaviedes, Borja (off 46)

Subs Lara 63, Urrutia 68, Bentez 46

Booked Valencia

Germany Lehmann, Friedrich, Huth, Lahm, Mertesacker, Schneider (off 73), Ballack, Frings (off 66), Schweinsteiger, Klose (off 66), Podolski

Subs Borowski 66, Asamoah 73, Neuville 66

Booked Borowski

Referee Valentin Ivanov