Japan vs Ecuador ended without a goal after 90 minutes, but Japan prevailed in the penalty shootout to secure a 5-4 victory over Ecuador on October 1, 2026.
The match finished 0-0 after regulation time, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. Japan ultimately held its nerve from the penalty spot, converting five attempts to Ecuador’s four.
Japan Beat Ecuador 5-4 on Penalties
The Japan vs Ecuador contest was closely fought from the opening whistle. Both teams created opportunities, but the finishing touch was missing throughout the match.
Japan had several efforts on target, including attempts from Yuito Suzuki, Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito. Ecuador also threatened through players such as Keny Arroyo and John Mercado.
Despite those chances, the scoreboard remained 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes.
The deciding moment came in the penalty shootout. Japan scored all five of its penalties, while Ecuador converted four after one miss.
Penalty Shootout Decides Ecuador vs Japan
The Ecuador vs Japan penalty shootout featured a series of successful attempts from both sides.
Ecuador opened the shootout before Japan responded through Ayase Ueda. A. Minda then scored for Ecuador, followed by Daichi Kamada for Japan.
The key setback for Ecuador came when D. Castillo missed his penalty. Hiroki Ito, Yuki Soma and Daizen Maeda all subsequently converted for Japan.
Ecuador’s J. Sarmiento and A. Valencia also found the net, but Japan maintained its advantage and completed the shootout with a 5-4 victory.
Japan and Ecuador Could Not Find a Goal
The goalless scoreline reflected a match in which both teams had periods of pressure.
Japan recorded shots through Koki Nakamura, Ayase Tanaka, Ritsu Doan, Koki Tanimura and Yuito Suzuki. Kubo also tested Ecuador’s defense with an effort on target in the first half.
Ecuador created its own chances, with John Mercado and Keny Arroyo among the players attempting to break the deadlock. Willian Pacho also registered a shot, while Ecuador earned several corners.
Japan’s pressure increased in the second half, with Junya Ito and Kamada both producing shots on target around the 70-minute mark.
Still, neither goalkeeper was beaten during regulation time.
Key Players in Japan vs Ecuador
Junya Ito was one of Japan’s notable attacking players, registering a shot on target and another attempt during the second half.
Yuito Suzuki also tested Ecuador’s defense, while Daichi Kamada produced an effort on target before later converting in the penalty shootout.
For Ecuador, Keny Arroyo recorded a shot on target, while John Mercado also looked to create opportunities in attack.
The match eventually went to penalties, where Japan’s perfect conversion rate proved decisive.
Final Result
The final result of Japan vs Ecuador was:
Japan 0-0 Ecuador after 90 minutes
Japan win 5-4 on penalties
Japan converted all five of its penalty attempts, while Ecuador scored four.
The result means the Ecuador vs Japan meeting was decided entirely from the penalty spot after both teams failed to score during normal play.
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