FIFA WC: Ecuador stun Germany to qualify for knockouts
New Jersey Stadium, June 26
Ecuador came from behind to beat four-time champions Germany 2-1 through Gonzalo Plata's late strike to secure their spot in the Round of 32, only the second time in their history after a similar achievement in 2006.
The victory has confirmed Ecuador's place in the knockouts as one of the best eight third-placed teams. Germany, despite defeat, still top the section thanks to their superior goal difference over Ivory Coast, who also finished with six points.
Germany took the lead after just two minutes through Leroy Sane, although the goal was surrounded by controversy. Sane's second-minute strike was Germany's second-fastest World Cup goal, behind only Ernst Lehner's first-minute effort in the 1934 third-place match against Austria (a 3-2 German victory).
Ecuador took just seven minutes to respond as they finally broke their duck at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The source was not Enner Valencia, making a record ninth World Cup appearance for his country. Rather, it was midfielder Nilson Angulo, brought in for his first start here in North America.
Pablo Vite picked up a loose ball in Germany's half and fed Angulo who, finding space to shoot just outside the D, fired through the legs of Aleksandar Pavlovic and beyond the dive of Manuel Neuer.
The second half began with a Germany penalty award that referee Tori Penso overturned after a VAR review owing to an earlier foul by Sane on Vite. It took until the last quarter, though, for the real drama to arrive.
After a mix-up between Neuer and Jonathan Tah, Plata turned a Moises Caicedo cross over the bar from close range. Sane then shot at Galindez after racing through at the other end, yet Ecuador would not be denied.
Moments after substitute Kevin Rodriguez had seen his shot deflected over, he flicked on a corner at the near post for Plata to get his foot to the ball ahead of Neuer and steer it into the roof of the net.
— IANS
Reader Comments
What a match! 😱 Germany had the early lead but Ecuador's persistence paid off. That late goal by Plata was pure class. Also, can we talk about how VAR overturned that penalty? 😅 As an Indian, I'm used to controversial refereeing decisions, but today's technology made it right. Well played, Ecuador!
Germany's defense was caught napping today. 🥱 Ecuador's Angulo goal through Pavlovic's legs was embarrassing for a top team. But credit to Ecuador for their tactical discipline—they absorbed pressure and struck at the right moments.
Alright, let's be honest—Germany got lucky with that first goal being allowed. The foul on Vite was clear from the replays. But Ecuador showed true spirit! 🇪🇨 As an Indian, I've always admired how South American teams play with such passion. This World Cup is getting more and more interesting! 🔥
Yes! Ecuador in the knockouts! 🇪🇨 This is what makes the World Cup special—underdogs like Ecuador and Morocco (remember 2022?) giving the big teams a run for their money. Germany will be fine, but today belonged to the little guy. 💪
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