Ecuador reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in dramatic fashion after coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey, setting up a potential Round of 32 clash with England.
Having failed to score in their opening two Group E matches—a goalless draw with Curacao and a defeat to Ivory Coast—Ecuador finally found their attacking spark against a Germany side that had already secured top spot in the group.
Germany made the perfect start, taking the lead after just two minutes. Leroy Sane latched onto a clever pass from Florian Wirtz inside the penalty area before firing a clinical finish past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.
Ecuador were left furious moments earlier, believing they should have been awarded a free-kick after Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to catch Pedro Vite with a high boot. However, their appeals were waved away by the referee.
Motivated by the controversial decision and backed by a sea of yellow-clad supporters, Ecuador responded brilliantly. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo levelled the score in the ninth minute, drilling a low shot beyond Manuel Neuer.
Ecuador maintained the pressure after the break and completed the comeback in the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to a corner, beating Neuer to the ball to score the winner and spark wild celebrations among the Ecuador fans.
The result also dealt a significant blow to Scotland’s hopes of progressing, reducing their chances of qualifying as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
