Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Germany took the lead after just two minutes through Leroy Sané, but Ecuador responded seven minutes later when Nilson Angulo curled home the country’s first goal of the tournament. The strike came from Ecuador’s 40th attempt after they had failed to score with their previous 39 shots.
Gonzalo Plata completed the comeback in the 77th minute, finishing from close range after a corner to seal a famous victory and Ecuador’s first place in the World Cup knockout stage since 2006.
Germany thought they had won a second-half penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after spotting an earlier foul by Sané in the build-up. Sané also missed a late chance to equalise.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E with six points and advanced to the Round of 32. Ecuador ended the group stage on four points, enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
