A spirited Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in their final Group E game on Thursday to qualify to the World Cup last 32 stage. Needing a win or a miracle to stay in the tournament, Ecuador got off to the worst possible start as already-qualified Germany scored just two minutes into the match.
Leroy Sane found the net with a left-footed finish, scoring his first-ever goal in a major international tournament in his 15th appearance.
Ecuador had failed to score despite taking 39 shots in the tournament, but they finally ended that run with their 40th attempt. Nilson Angulo curled a brilliant effort past Manuel Neuer in the ninth minute, sending the Ecuador fans into wild celebrations.
The comeback was completed in the 78th minute when Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to Kevin Rodriguez’s flick-on from a corner and poked the ball past Neuer to seal a memorable 2-1 victory. The sold-out crowd at the New York/New Jersey Stadium erupted as Ecuador kept their World Cup dream alive.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E with six points after having already secured qualification. Ivory Coast ended level on points but finished second on goal difference following a 2-0 win over Curacao. Ecuador also progressed after qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Germany had been chasing a third straight win in the group stage and a 12th consecutive victory overall, but once again their defensive weaknesses were exposed. They have now conceded in all three group matches.
Germany made the perfect start when Florian Wirtz quickly took a throw-in and set up Sane, who calmly finished from inside the box. Ecuador appealed for a foul in the build-up, claiming Aleksandar Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite with a high boot, but referee Tori Penso allowed the goal to stand.
Ecuador, who came into the match after losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curacao, hit back almost immediately. Angulo curled a superb strike into the far corner from outside the box, with Neuer unable to keep it out.
The second half brought more controversy when Germany were awarded a penalty after Kai Havertz appeared to be brought down by Joel Ordonez. However, after a VAR review, Penso overturned the decision, ruling that Germany had committed a foul earlier in the move.
Clear-cut chances were few after that until Plata struck the winner with 12 minutes remaining, finishing from close range after Rodriguez’s flick-on from a corner to spark huge celebrations among the Ecuador fans.
