Effervescent Germany overwhelm Ecuador

Four goals inside the opening 24 minutes, including a landmark strike from Lukas Podolski, set Germany on their way to a 4-2 win against Ecuador in the opening game of their United States tour.

The outcome of this friendly in Boca Raton, Florida, was never in doubt from the moment Podolski swept in after nine seconds for the fastest goal in Germany's international history. Sven Bender then scored either side of another Podolski effort as Joachim Löw's team stormed into a four-goal lead.

Ecuador restored some pride on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Antonio Valencia and there was reason to be cheerful when Walter Ayoví conjured a second consolation two minutes from time.

The 5,000-strong crowd had barely taken their seats before Podolski made history and Bender combined with Sidney Sam to score three minutes later. A fresh-faced Germany side, containing debutants Max Kruse and Sam, belied their inexperience as Podolski added a third and Bender fired in from long range.

Ecuador eventually regained their composure with Jefferson Montero hitting the crossbar, before a dizzying counterattack concluded with Manchester United FC winger Valencia tapping in. Reinaldo Rueda's charges grew in confidence after the restart and while René Adler made a string of fine saves, he was helpless to prevent Ayoví's sumptuous free-kick from finding the net at the death.