Ecuador produced a surprising comeback to beat Germany 2-1 and e-book their place within the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The South Individuals had failed to attain of their opening two Group E matches, drawing with Curaçao and dropping to Ivory Coast. However they saved their greatest efficiency for final as they got here from behind to defeat the group winners in New Jersey.
Germany took the lead after simply two minutes when Leroy Sane completed calmly after a intelligent cross from Florian Wirtz.
Ecuador have been sad with the purpose, believing Pedro Vite had been fouled by Aleksandar Pavlovic moments earlier. Nevertheless, the referee allowed the purpose to face.
The choice appeared to encourage Ecuador, who equalised seven minutes later. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo fired a low shot previous veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 1-1.
Ecuador continued to assault after the break and obtained the profitable purpose within the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest from a nook to beat Neuer and spark wild celebrations among the many Ecuador followers.
Angulo was one in all Ecuador’s standout gamers and was named Man of the Match after inflicting Germany issues all through the sport.
Germany, who had already secured qualification earlier than kick-off, appeared under their greatest and couldn’t discover a manner again into the match.
The victory offers Ecuador a spot within the Spherical of 32, the place they might face England if ends in the opposite teams go their manner.
The outcome additionally dealt a blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as among the finest third-placed groups.
