Ecuador produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup last 32, ending the Germans’ 11-match winning streak in dramatic fashion.
Germany took an early lead just two minutes into the Group E clash through Leroy Sané, but the goal sparked controversy as Ecuador appealed for a foul in the build-up after Pedro Vite was struck by a high boot. The protests were waved away, allowing the goal to stand.
Unfazed, Ecuador responded in style just seven minutes later when Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo capitalised on a German error to fire home a superb equaliser from outside the box.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute as Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to a flick-on from a corner, stabbing the ball past Manuel Neuer to complete Ecuador’s remarkable turnaround.
Germany thought they had a chance to restore their lead early in the second half after Kai Havertz won a penalty, but a VAR review overturned the decision after Leroy Sané was ruled to have committed a foul earlier in the move.
Despite creating several opportunities, Germany failed to find an equaliser, while Ecuador defended resolutely to seal a famous victory and advance as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The result sends Ecuador into the knockout stage for only the second time in their World Cup history, while Germany will now face another third-placed qualifier in the Round of 32.
