Ecuador have kept their World Cup campaign alive as Gonzalo Plata’s winner completed a memorable come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Germany to send the South American nation through to the last 32.
They had not scored a goal in their first two games, a draw with Curacao and a defeat by Ivory Coast, but finally showed the talent they possess as they took advantage of a lacklustre display from Germany, who had already topped Group E.
Germany made the perfect start after only two minutes when Leroy Sane picked up Florian Wirtz’s clever pass in the area to fire a clinical finish beyond Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez, but Ecuador hit back through a fine strike from Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute.
Plata then prodded home from close range 13 minutes from time, prompting wild celebrations on Thursday among a largely Ecuadorian crowd in New Jersey as the South Americans ensured they would advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Germany will travel to Foxborough for their last-32 tie against another third-placed finisher on Monday, in their first World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014.
