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FWC on Sport Nation guideEcuador stun Germany to progress in World Cup
DPA •  June 26th, 2026 10:40 am
Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata scored the winner against Germany that advanced them at the World Cup | Photo: AP
Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey to advance to the last 32 of the World Cup.
Gonzalo Plata grabbed the winner for Ecuador on 77 minutes to guarantee they will be one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Germany, who had assured top spot after matchday two, looked rattled at times in the group finale.
The third-placed rankings will be confirmed at the end of the stage but Ecuador's four points and a goal difference of zero is enough.
Leroy Sané received negative press after mixed showings so far in North America but he confidently netted Germany's opener in the second minute.
Veteran German No. 1 Manuel Neuer is beaten by Nilson Angulo for Ecuador's first goal | Photo: AP
US referee Tori Penso, in her second game at this World Cup, decided to allow Aleksandar Pavlovic's high foot in the build-up.
Ecuador soon hit back in style when Nilson Angulo let fly through the legs of Pavlovic from just outside the area.
Penso originally awarded Germany a penalty kick less than 30 seconds into the second half after Joel Ordonez took down Kai Havertz, but after a video review ruled Sane had first fouled Vite.
Plata later sent the Ecuadorean fans wild in New Jersey.
Ecuador fans were given a treat as their team defeated four-times World Cup champions Germany | Photo: EPA
Plata, who took a kick to the head when Germany scored their early goal, keyed Ecuador's great escape after Pedro Vite's corner kick was nodded on by Kevin RodrÃguez.
Manuel Neuer, the 40-year-old Germany goalkeeper who came out of international retirement for the World Cup, was about to grab the ball when Plata raised his left foot and with a toe-poke put the ball into the net.
The goal ended Germany's winning streak at 11 games, one shy of the team record set in 1979-80.
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