Ecuador produced a stunning comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage and setting up a possible last-32 clash with England.
After failing to score in their opening two Group E matches—a goalless draw against Curacao and a defeat to Ivory Coast—Ecuador finally found their attacking rhythm against an already-qualified German side.
Germany made the perfect start, taking the lead just two minutes into the match. Leroy SanĂ© raced onto a perfectly weighted pass from Florian Wirtz before calmly slotting the ball past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán GalĂndez.
Ecuador felt they should have been awarded a free-kick in the build-up to the goal after Aleksandar Pavlović appeared to catch Pedro Vite with a high boot, but the referee waved away their protests.
The setback only galvanized Ecuador, who responded seven minutes later. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo finished confidently beyond Manuel Neuer to draw his side level and breathe life into the contest.
Ecuador continued to press after the break and completed the comeback in the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to a corner, beating Neuer to the ball to score the winner and spark jubilant celebrations among Ecuador’s travelling supporters.
The victory sends Ecuador into the World Cup knockout rounds, while the defeat has little impact on Germany, who had already secured qualification before the match. The result, however, significantly dents Scotland’s hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
