Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in a dramatic Group E clash at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Thursday.
Ecuadorian attackers Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata scored to secure a vital victory that propelled the South American side into the knockout stage, while Germany, already assured of top spot, suffered a rare group-stage defeat despite an early lead from Leroy Sané.
Leroy Sané of Germany scored in the 2nd minute, assisted by Florian Wirtz. Ecuadorian midfielder Nilson Angulo equalized in the 9th minute with a powerful long-range strike from outside the box. Ecuadorian forward Gonzalo Plata netted the winner in the 77th minute, assisted by Kevin Rodríguez via a flicked header. Germany started brightly but Ecuador grew into the game, dominating possession and chances after the equalizer in a resilient second-half display that produced a comeback win.
With the win, Ecuador finished third in Group E with four points and a goal difference of zero, advancing to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany topped the group with six points. The victory marked a significant achievement for the Ecuadorian national team under coach Sebastián Beccacece, building on their solid qualifying campaign.
Ecuador will face its round of 32 opponent on June 29.