Ecuador Stuns Germany 2-1
Picture: Reuters
Ecuador kept its World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Thursday, securing a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-place teams.
Germany, which had already clinched first place in Group E, took the lead less than two minutes into the match when Leroy Sané finished Florian Wirtz's pass. Ecuador protested the goal, arguing that Aleksandar Pavlović had fouled Pedro Vite during the buildup, but the referee allowed it to stand.
The South Americans responded quickly. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute with a powerful low strike after Germany lost possession in its own half.
Germany nearly regained the lead early in the second half when Kai Havertz appeared to win a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after spotting a foul by Sané in the buildup.
Ecuador continued to press, and Gonzalo Plata delivered the decisive goal in the 77th minute, stabbing home from close range after Kevin Rodríguez flicked on a corner kick.
The victory ended Germany's 11-match winning streak and sent Ecuador into the knockout stage for only the second time in its history. Germany, despite the defeat, finished atop Group E and will face another third-place qualifier in the Round of 32 on Monday.
The result sparked emotional celebrations among Ecuador's supporters, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
