Ecuador produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 on Thursday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a memorable victory in their final Group E match.
The South Americans overturned an early deficit through goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata, whose late winner sparked jubilant celebrations among Ecuadorian supporters in New Jersey and sealed qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Germany, who had already secured top spot in the group, will face another third-placed side in the Round of 32 on Monday in Foxborough, marking the country’s first World Cup knockout appearance since winning the title in 2014.
The Germans made a dream start, taking the lead less than two minutes into the match when Leroy Sane fired home from Florian Wirtz’s pass. However, Ecuadorian players protested the goal, arguing that Aleksandar Pavlovic had committed a foul on Pedro Vite earlier in the build-up. The referee allowed the goal to stand despite the appeals.
Ecuador responded positively and restored parity seven minutes later after Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo capitalised on a midfield error by Felix Nmecha before drilling a low shot beyond goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from outside the penalty area.
Germany threatened to regain control before the break, with Kai Havertz forcing a save from Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
Shortly after the restart, Havertz appeared to have won a penalty following a challenge by Joel Ordonez, but a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review overturned the decision after identifying a foul by Sane on Pedro Vite in the build-up.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced striker Deniz Undav just after the hour mark in search of a winner, following the forward’s impressive substitute performance against Ivory Coast earlier in the tournament.
Ecuador, however, continued to press forward. Enner Valencia tested Neuer with a powerful effort before defensive uncertainty between the veteran goalkeeper and Jonathan Tah nearly gifted Kevin Rodriguez a scoring opportunity.
Sane also missed a clear chance to restore Germany’s lead after shooting tamely at Galindez.
Ecuador made Germany pay for that missed opportunity in the 77th minute. Rodriguez flicked on a corner kick into the six-yard box, where Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to stab home from close range.
The victory 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, prompting emotional celebrations from players and fans alike.
