EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Drinks were thrown into the air as substitutes rushed onto the field. Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece embraced a loved one behind the dugout, while the vibrant sea of yellow sent ripples through MetLife Stadium.
Gonzalo Plata’s dramatic 77th-minute goal propelled Ecuador past Germany with a score of 2-1, securing their place in the round of 32 just as it seemed they would face an early exit from the World Cup due to missed opportunities.
A whirlwind of emotions unfolded as Ecuador experienced both agony and ecstasy within moments. The final 13 minutes, extended by seven added for stoppage time, brought back anxiety as Ecuador’s defense faced sliced clearances, desperate tackles, and frayed nerves trying to hold off Germany’s attack.
It seemed that Germany’s motivation was lacking. Coach Julian Nagelsmann fielded a strong lineup with only two adjustments from their previous match against the Ivory Coast. Despite this, they had already secured the top position in Group E. Germany started strongly, taking an early lead through Leroy Sané‘s goal in the second minute, but Ecuador’s relentless determination ultimately triumphed.
Despite being a team many expected to make a deep run in this World Cup, Ecuador had yet to score prior to Thursday, having not found the back of the net in their first two matches despite a staggering 39 attempts. They faced a World Cup record 15 saves from Curacao’s goalkeeper, Eloy Room, in a single 90-minute game.
The stakes were clear: it was win or go home for Ecuador.
Things started badly for them: Germany’s midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to kick Ecuador’s Pedro Vite in the face just moments before Florian Wirtz assisted Sané for the opening goal, but VAR chose not to intervene despite Ecuador’s protests.
What they desperately needed was a stroke of luck and some help from Germany’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. Just seven minutes later, Vite won possession and passed to Nilson Angulo, whose powerful shot slipped through Pavlovic’s legs and into the far corner. Neuer, though not entirely to blame, looked his age at 40. Angulo’s strike marked Ecuador’s first competitive open-play goal since March 2025, ending a drought of over 11 hours.
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Ecuador fans erupt at full-time vs. Germany
The momentum shifted at the start of the second half. Germany seemed poised to win a penalty when Joel Ordóñez took down Kai Havertz in the box, but VAR intervened, identifying a foul by Sané on Vite in the build-up.
Rejuvenated by this break, Ecuador began to create consistent threats. While Enner Valencia’s goal-scoring capabilities are well-known, Beccacece made crucial substitutions, replacing Valencia and Alan Franco with Kevin Rodríguez and Ángelo Preciado, which proved advantageous.
Neuer appeared shaky. A mix-up between him and Jonathan Tah in the box allowed Moisés Caicedo to set up Plata for a chance at the far post, but his shot went wide. Rodríguez then flicked on the ensuing corner, allowing Plata to stab the ball home as Neuer again struggled to react in time.
Nagelsmann defended Neuer, saying, “I think it has to be defended differently. It is very difficult for the goalie to make a difference there.”
Beccacece’s reaction was understandably charged with emotion. The Argentine coach has faced criticism from Ecuador fans throughout the tournament, who feel that the team has underperformed compared to expectations after a 19-match unbeaten streak ended with a loss to the Ivory Coast and a disappointing draw against Curacao.
“Today, we surpassed the attendance record for the third time, with full stadiums of Ecuadorian supporters,” Beccacece remarked. “We need to savor this journey as well. There are times when one must struggle, but it is imperative to stay united.”
“I apologize to those who haven’t warmed up to me yet. I am truly thankful to the Ecuadorian people who have traveled from north to south, believing in their team all the way. I’ve always found them to be kind, hardworking, and grateful, and that is what I aim to convey.”
“As long as we’re still in this, we must strive for the light. If we can’t find it, we’ll deal with the sorrow and pain of unfulfilled dreams. But today, an entire country is celebrating. So, let them enjoy, have a drink, and celebrate with family.”
Nagelsmann expressed frustration over Germany’s missed counterattacking chances, also critiquing the state of the MetLife pitch, which seemed to be in rough condition.
“We were playing the ball too hastily into space, but the dry field caused us to struggle, as the ball failed to flow properly,” Nagelsmann explained. “It tends to stop very quickly.”
The final whistle marked a moment of elation mixed with relief. Beccacece found his loved ones again, players fell to the ground, and Pervis Estupiñán and Vite embraced. One photographer, presumably from Ecuador, sank to his knees, arms raised skyward. For Ecuador, finishing third in their group has never been so sweet.