2026 World Cup: Ecuador spring a shock against Germany and reach the last 16
They had to win to keep their run alive, and Ecuador got it done. Up against a Germany side already through, La Tri won 2-1 on Thursday night in East Rutherford and sealed a place in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. It was a qualification earned the hard way, in a game played at a fierce tempo and watched by a crowd heavily behind the South Americans.
An instant response after a shaky start
It looked bleak for Ecuador almost from the off. Inside two minutes, Leroy Sane put Germany ahead after a move that sparked a furious reaction from the South American bench. A moment earlier, Aleksandar Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite in the face in a challenge, but neither the referee nor VAR felt it was worth a second look.
Ecuador refused to fold, though, and Sebastian Beccacece’s side quickly took back control. Lively down the flank, Nilson Angulo levelled with a powerful strike that caught Manuel Neuer by surprise. Chances then came at both ends, with Ecuador growing more and more aggressive.
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Plata sends a nation into the knockout stage
As the second half went on, Ecuador kept coming. Gonzalo Plata first wasted a huge chance against Neuer, before making amends a few minutes later. From a corner flicked on at the near post, the forward arrived to stab home the winner and send the Ecuador fans wild.
Germany did have one last chance to claw their way back, but Leroy Sane lost his duel with Hernan Galindez. That was that.
Thanks to the win, La Tri move on in this World Cup with their confidence soaring. Germany, already guaranteed top spot in the group, head into the knockout rounds with a few questions hanging over them despite their favourite tag.
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