Ecuador has advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Germany. The decisive goal came from Gonzalo Plata in the 77th minute, sparking celebrations among the Ecuadorian fans in New Jersey. This win ensures Ecuador progresses as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the tournament.
The match, held on Thursday, saw Germany take an early lead less than two minutes into the Group E clash. Leroy Sané scored after receiving a pass from Florian Wirtz. However, the goal was met with protests from Ecuador, who argued that Aleksandar Pavlovic had committed a foul on Pedro Vite earlier in the play with a high boot.
Despite the early setback, Ecuador quickly responded. Nilson Angulo, one of the new players in coach Sebastián Beccacece’s lineup, found the net from the edge of the box, beating Manuel Neuer. The equalizer came after Wirtz lost possession to Vite, who then assisted Angulo’s strike, with Pavlovic also involved in the defensive lapse.
Ecuador continued to press, exploiting perceived weaknesses on the flanks and forcing Neuer into action multiple times. Germany struggled to regain control, with their next significant threat coming 15 minutes later from a Kai Havertz header that was saved by Hernán Galíndez.
As halftime approached, Ecuador’s intensity grew, matching the four-time champions. Led by Moisés Caicedo, La Tri displayed a level of ambition that had been less evident in their initial two group matches. However, their counterattacks were often thwarted by poor decision-making and last-ditch defending.
The second half began with controversy when Germany was initially awarded a penalty after Joel Ordóñez challenged Havertz. However, a video replay overturned the decision, showing that Sané had fouled Vite earlier in the sequence. John Yeboah was a central figure for Ecuador, weaving through the German midfield, though his efforts did not always result in clear chances.
Germany’s offensive threats were limited, with their top scorer, Deniz Undav, only entering the game around the hour mark. Ecuador’s belief was strengthened after successfully containing Germany through the second hydration break. A mix-up between Jonathan Tah and Neuer almost led to a goal, with Kevin Rodríguez getting to the ball before setting up Plata, whose shot narrowly missed the target.
Plata redeemed himself minutes later. After Rodríguez won a corner and had his shot blocked, he flicked on the subsequent corner. The ball again found Plata, who guided it past Neuer with the outside of his boot, securing Ecuador’s lead. Following the goal, Ecuador maintained their defensive composure, with Ángelo Preciado having another chance that Neuer saved.
Germany’s primary creative outlet came from David Raum’s deliveries from the left wing. However, Ecuador’s defense held firm through the final moments of the match. The celebrations began even before the final whistle, as Plata held the ball in the corner deep into stoppage time.
At the final whistle, coach Beccacece celebrated enthusiastically with his family in the stands. He had faced scrutiny from fans and media after Ecuador’s initial performances in the tournament, following a 19-match unbeaten run prior to the competition. Ecuador’s victory marks their progression to the knockout stage for only the second time.
For Germany, the match saw a mixed performance from Bayern Munich players. Manuel Neuer played 90 minutes and made 1 save. Jamal Musiala also played 90 minutes, recording 57 touches and an 82% passing accuracy. Aleksandar Pavlović played 45 minutes with 51 touches and 90% passing accuracy. Joshua Kimmich was on the field for 60 minutes, with 81 touches and 90% passing accuracy. Jonathan Tah played the full 90 minutes, registering 111 touches, 95% passing accuracy, 2/2 tackles, and 5 clearances. Leon Goretzka and Alexander Nübel did not play in the match.
Germany is scheduled to travel to Foxborough for their last-32 tie against another third-placed finisher on Monday.
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Source: theguardian.com
