Ecuador pulled off a major upset against Germany on Thursday to secure a place in the round of 32 of the World Cup, as the Netherlands, Japan and Ivory Coast also advanced and the knockout bracket began to take shape.
The Netherlands completed their group stage with a 3-1 win over Tunisia to finish top of Group F, just ahead of Japan, which earned second place after a 1-1 draw with Sweden.
Sweden also moved on as one of the best third-place finishers.
The Dutch will now meet 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco in the round of 32, while Japan will take on Group C winner Brazil for a place in the round of 16.
In Group E, Ecuador sealed a tense 2-1 win over group winner Germany at MetLife Stadium. The breakthrough came 13 minutes from time when Gonzalo Plata poked home from close range, sending Ecuador through and shaking up the group standings.
