Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata celebrates scoring their second goal with Moises Caicedo during their World Cup match against Germany at New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Jun 25, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Mike Segar)
26 Jun 2026 06:05AM
(Updated: 26 Jun 2026 07:38AM)
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: An increasingly desperate Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in their final Group E game on Thursday (Jun 26) to drag their World Cup campaign out of the flames and qualify for a place in the last 32.Needing a win - or a miracle - to keep their hopes alive, the South Americans suffered the worst possible start when already-qualified Germany struck in the second minute, with Leroy Sane opening his account at a major international tournament in his 15th appearance at one.Ecuador had failed to score in this tournament despite 39 previous attempts, but finally broke their duck with their 40th shot when Nilson Angulo curled the ball beyond Manuel Neuer to spark wild celebrations among the sea of yellow in the stands.Gonzalo Plata then bundled home the winner with 13 minutes remaining to complete Ecuador's stirring comeback as their fans erupted with joy at the sold-out New York/New Jersey stadium.
