Gonzalo Plata's second-half strike sparked wild Ecuador celebrations as they defeated Germany 2-1 to secure a place in the World Cup last 32 for the first time since 2006. The victory, played before 55,000 fans in a sea of yellow, came after a flat start to the tournament and a must-win scenario following a shutout by Curaçao's Eloy Room.
Early German Strike Stuns Ecuador
Germany struck early, with Leroy Sané tucking away his first goal of the tournament in the second minute after a controversial high boot from Aleksandar Pavlovic on Pedro Vite. Ecuador's protests were futile, but the fans remained undeterred, chanting "Sí, se puede" (Yes, we can).
Ecuador responded swiftly through Sunderland's Nilson Angulo, who found the far corner from the edge of the box after a defensive lapse by Florian Wirtz and Pavlovic. The goal leveled the match and ignited the crowd.
Ecuador Exploits German Weaknesses
Ecuador relentlessly attacked down the wings, with Alan Franco and Angulo pressuring Neuer. Germany struggled to regain control, with Kai Havertz's header straight at Hernán Galíndez being their only threat for 15 minutes. Ecuador's defence, featuring Champions League finalists, held firm, frustrating the four-time champions.
"I think there's something they don't like about me," coach Sebastián Beccacece acknowledged before the game, facing intense scrutiny after a 19-match unbeaten run failed to carry over into the tournament.
Second Half Drama and Penalty Controversy
The second half nearly saw Germany awarded a penalty when Joel Ordóñez bundled Havertz over, but a video replay showed Sané fouled Vite earlier in the move, sparing Ecuador. John Yeboah wove through Germany's midfield, creating few clear chances but maintaining high intensity.
Germany introduced top scorer Deniz Undav at the hour mark, but Ecuador's belief grew as they kept the group leaders at bay. A mix-up between Jonathan Tah and Neuer allowed Kevin Rodríguez to set up Plata, whose shot flew just wide.
Plata's Decisive Strike
Plata redeemed himself in the 77th minute, flicking on a corner from Rodríguez past Neuer with the outside of his boot. The goal sparked wild celebrations, and Ecuador rarely looked like conceding momentum. Ángelo Preciado tested Neuer again before Ecuador dropped back to defend their lead.
David Raum's deliveries from the left remained Germany's main threat, but Ecuador held firm. In stoppage time, Plata took the ball into the corner, and the celebrations rippled through the stadium.
Beccacece's Future Uncertain
Beccacece leapt into the stands to join his family at full-time, his job possibly saved by the victory. "Whether beating an uninspired Germany side restores their faith in the head coach remains to be seen," the report notes. For now, La Tri have salvaged their World Cup campaign, advancing as a best third-placed team to face a knockout match.
