Ecuador kept their FIFA World Cup dream alive with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Thursday. Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal late in the second half to send Ecuador into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.
The victory sparked huge celebrations among Ecuador's fans in New Jersey, while Germany suffered their first defeat of the tournament despite already securing top spot in Group E.
Germany Take Early Lead Amid Controversy
Germany made the perfect start by scoring less than two minutes after kickoff. Leroy Sane finished first time from Florian Wirtz's pass to give Germany a 1-0 lead. However, Ecuador strongly protested the goal after Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to catch Pedro Vite in the head with a high boot during the build-up. The referee allowed play to continue, and the goal stood despite Ecuador's complaints.
Ecuador Respond Quickly
Ecuador refused to let the early setback affect them. Just seven minutes later, Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo won the ball after Felix Nmecha lost possession in his own half. Angulo then fired a superb low shot from around 20 yards that beat Manuel Neuer and brought Ecuador level at 1-1.
The equaliser lifted Ecuador's confidence as they continued to push forward against one of the tournament favourites.
VAR Denies Germany After the Break
Germany nearly regained the lead immediately after halftime. Kai Havertz believed he had won a penalty after Joel Ordonez challenged him inside the box. However, VAR reviewed the incident and overturned the decision after identifying a foul by Leroy Sane on Pedro Vite earlier in the attacking move.
The decision gave Ecuador another major boost as they continued to believe they could pull off a famous victory.
Plata Delivers Historic Winner
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced Deniz Undav around the hour mark after the striker's impressive substitute performances earlier in the tournament. Ecuador, knowing they needed victory to stay alive, continued to attack.
Enner Valencia forced Manuel Neuer into a fine save before confusion between Neuer and defender Jonathan Tah nearly handed Ecuador another chance. Germany also missed a golden opportunity when Leroy Sane failed to beat goalkeeper Hernan Galindez from close range.
Ecuador finally found the decisive goal in the 77th minute. Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner, and Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to stab the ball home from close range.
The goal ended Germany's 11-match winning streak and secured Ecuador's place in the World Cup knockout stage for only the second time in the country's history.
Germany Shift Focus to Knockout Stage
Despite the defeat, Germany had already qualified as Group E winners and will face another third-placed team in the Round of 32 on Monday in Foxborough. After the match, captain Joshua Kimmich admitted Germany must improve before the knockout rounds.
Germany will now prepare for the knockout stage, while Ecuador head into the last 32 full of confidence after producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.