Germany's Lukas Podolski celebrates with teammate Lars Bender after scoring in the first half as Ecuador's Juan Carlos Paredes looks on during their international friendly soccer match in Boca Raton (photo: Reuters)
Podolski and Lars Bender scored two goals each in the first 23 minutes as Germany overwhelmed the Ecuadoran defense early in the match at FAU Stadium.
Immediately after Ecuador defender Gabriel Achilier took the opening kickoff, Podolski stole the ball, dribbled a couple of steps and converted on a shot past goalkeeper Maximo Banguera.
Bender, making his first start with the senior national team, scored in the fourth minute as he beat Banguera with a shot from 18 yards.
Germany took a 3-0 lead on Podolski's second goal in the 16th minute. Bender followed with his second goal eight minutes later.
Luis Valencia scored in first half stoppage time and avoided the shutout for Ecuador.
Ecuador's Walter Ayovi scored the only goal of the second half in the 83rd minute.
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