Ecuador fight back to shock Germany and reach knockout stage

Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup finale, snatching a place in the knockout stage with a stirring comeback. The South American side needed a victory to keep their hopes alive and, despite an early setback, delivered a performance that ignited wild celebrations.

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It was incredible. We had a lot of faith and ⁠want our fans to know that there are 26 players here that will give their all for everyone in our country.

Germany struck in the second minute through Leroy Sane, but Ecuador, who had struggled to score throughout the tournament, finally broke their duck. Nilson Angulo curled in a stunning equalizer in the ninth minute, sparking belief among their traveling fans. Gonzalo Plata then bundled home the winner with 13 minutes remaining, completing a remarkable turnaround.

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People packed the stadiums wherever we played and made us feel right at home. They deserve this far more than we do. We struggled a lot in the first two matches but now we’re even more determined.

"It was incredible. We had a lot of faith and want our fans to know that there are 26 players here that will give their all for everyone in our country," Plata told reporters after the match. "People packed the stadiums wherever we played and made us feel right at home. They deserve this far more than we do."

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We’ve learnt that you have to give it your all right up to the last minute, even if the goal doesn’t come early on. Today we struggled right to the end and, thank goodness, it went our way.

Despite the loss, Germany secured top spot in Group E with six points, ahead of Ivory Coast on goal difference. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were once again laid bare, having conceded in all three group matches. "We keep inviting the opposition in with turnovers, making them look good in the process," admitted captain Joshua Kimmich. "But it’s clear we can’t afford another defeat. We can’t keep conceding one or two goals every game."

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We keep inviting the opposition in with turnovers, making them look good in the process. Fortunately, no real harm has been done yet. But it’s clear we can’t afford another defeat. We can’t keep conceding one or two goals every game. We need to minimise our turnover rate; then we can beat anyone.