LIVE - World Cup 2026: Ecuador's sublime performance sees them down Germany, Ivory Coast reaches Round of 16

Ecuador staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup, securing a vital victory that could see them advance to the knockout stages. Despite conceding an early goal, the South American team rallied with a "sublime performance" to overturn the deficit and claim their first win of the tournament.

The dramatic victory means Ecuador is in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. The match was described as intense, with Ecuador pushing hard in the second half to secure the result. Their efforts were rewarded late in the game when Plata scored the go-ahead goal, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast also secured their place in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curaçao. This historic achievement marks their first appearance in the direct elimination phase of a World Cup. The Elephants secured second place in Group E, behind Germany, and will face the second-place finisher from Group I in the next round.

The match between Ecuador and Germany was a tense affair, with both teams vying for qualification. Germany attempted to rally in the final minutes, but Ecuador's defense held firm to secure the historic win. The article highlights the emotional rollercoaster of the final group stage matches.