Ecuador shock Germany in stunning World Cup comeback

Gonzalo Plata celebrates scoring Ecuador's winning goal

Ecuador sealed qualification for the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams courtesy of a superb 2-1 victory over Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (WC), ending a nine-match winless run against European opposition in the process.

La Tri’s hopes of progression were hanging by a thread as they faced the four-time world champions, who were already planning for the knockout stages.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle against Julian Nagelsmann’s side, and the latter took the advantage with only two minutes on the clock in controversial circumstances.

Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florian Wirtz combined in the box, before the latter teed up Leroy Sane for a clinical first-time finish into the bottom corner. However, Sebasti1n Beccacece’s side were rightly aggrieved as Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite with a high foot in the build-up.

Given Ecuador’s struggles at the finals so far, few would have expected much in the way of a response, but Nilson Angulo clearly hadn’t read the script, pouncing on some indecision in the German defence before unleashing a wonderful effort past Manuel Neuer.

It was a goal which ensured Ecuador avoided the embarrassment of becoming only the second South American nation to go through an entire WC without scoring, while Angulo also became the fourth Sunderland player to score at these finals, a number only bettered by Paris Saint-Germain’s total of six players.

Sane's opener for Germany

It took less than a minute into the second half for the game’s next moment of controversy, as referee Mary Victoria Penso awarded Germany a penalty following Joel Ordonez’s clumsy challenge on Kai Havertz. The decision, though, was ultimately overturned after a VAR intervention, with Sane instead penalised for a foul on Vite in the build-up.

Ecuador were the ones who needed to force the issue, and Enner Valencia called Neuer into a rare moment of action with a long-range strike that was parried away by the goalkeeper.

That marked the end of what was Valencia’s record-breaking eighth La Tri appearance at a WC, with Kevin Rodriguez introduced moments later.

Beccacece’s men looked more threatening from that point and pressed forward for a potentially decisive second goal that eventually came in the 77th minute. Rodriguez played a part in the pandemonium that ensued, flicking on Vite’s corner for Gonzalo Plata to hook a finish past Neuer.

Ultimately, Ecuador held on for a famous three points that extend their WC journey after an inauspicious start. They finish third in Group E, but crucially moved to the top of the rankings of best third-placed sides.

Meanwhile, this defeat prevented Germany from securing what would have been a record-equalling 12th successive victory, but they still progress as group winners.

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