Ecuador kept their World Cup 2026 hopes alive after Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal, leading the South Americans to a stirring 2-1 comeback win over Germany and securing a place in the round of 16.
In the Group E clash on June 25, Leroy Sane controversially opened the scoring for Germany inside the first two minutes. Ecuador quickly responded with a fine goal from striker Nilson Angulo (Sunderland).
In the 77th minute, Plata slotted home from close range after Moises Caicedo's pass, sealing a 2-1 victory for Ecuador in front of a passionate Ecuadorian crowd at New Jersey Stadium.
Despite the loss, Germany top Group E with six points, followed by Ivory Coast (4), Ecuador (4) and the Dominican Republic (0). Ecuador advance to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Germany will face another third-placed side at Foxborough on June 28, marking their first knockout match since winning the World Cup in 2014.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made two forced changes due to injury. Antonio Rudiger replaced Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle ligaments), with David Raum starting at left-back instead of Nathaniel Brown.
Despite the defeat, the first half was marked by controversy. Sane's goal came after Aleksandar Pavlovic's high tackle on Pedro Vite, sparking angry protests from Ecuador players. VAR later intervened to overturn what Kai Havertz thought was a penalty for Germany early in the second half.
Ecuador pushed forward in the second half, creating dangerous chances through Enner Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez. Sane nearly doubled Germany's lead but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
In the 77th minute, from a corner, Rodriguez headed the ball across and Plata smashed it past Manuel Neuer, ending Germany's run of 11 straight wins and securing Ecuador's place in the last 16.
The victory moved Ecuador fans in the stands to tears of joy, as their team reached the World Cup knockout stage for the second time in history.
