Ecuador kept their World Cup campaign alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Thursday, securing a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Gonzalo Plata scored the winner 13 minutes from time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, sparking wild celebrations among the largely Ecuadorian crowd.
Controversial early goal
Germany took the lead inside two minutes through Leroy Sane, but the goal was highly controversial. Ecuador players were incensed that a foul was not called earlier in the move, when Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high boot. Despite their protests, the goal stood, and Sane swept in a first-time shot from Florian Wirtz's lay-off.
Ecuador responded swiftly, leveling in the seventh minute. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo drilled a low shot past Manuel Neuer from 20 yards after Felix Nmecha lost possession in his own half. The equalizer gave Ecuador renewed hope and set the stage for a tense encounter.
VAR overturns penalty
Kai Havertz tested Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez with a header and then thought he had won a penalty early in the second half when Joel Ordonez upended him in the box. However, VAR intervened, and the spot-kick was overturned after a foul by Sane on Vite in the build-up, much to Ecuador's relief.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced super-sub Deniz Undav on the hour mark, hoping to replicate his heroics from the previous match against Ivory Coast, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 win. Undav, who now has three goals at the tournament, could not find the net this time.
Ecuador's winning push
Ecuador knew they had to throw caution to the wind to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Enner Valencia's fierce effort was beaten away by Neuer, and a defensive mix-up between Neuer and Jonathan Tah nearly let Kevin Rodriguez in. Plata steered wide from the follow-up cross delivered by Moises Caicedo.
Sane had a golden chance to put Germany back ahead but shot tamely at Galindez. Ecuador made the most of that escape as Plata scored the winner. Rodriguez flicked on a corner, and Plata stabbed home from close range, ending Germany's 11-match winning run and booking Ecuador's place in the knockout stage for only the second time.
What's next
Germany, who had already secured top spot in Group E, will travel to Foxborough for their last-32 tie against another third-placed finisher on Monday. It will be their first World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014. Ecuador advance as one of the best third-placed teams, sparking tears of joy from their fans in the stands.
