Following the national soccer team’s dramatic comeback victory against Germany at the World Cup, Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa announced a public holiday on Friday.
La Tricolor started the match on the back foot, falling behind 1-0 within just two minutes against Group E’s leading team. However, they rallied back with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata, securing a 2-1 victory and advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in two decades.
Noboa, who was present at MetLife Stadium during the match, proclaimed June 26 a national holiday.
“I want to thank the players and the coach, who overcame criticism, insults, and challenging times to deliver this incredible joy to the entire nation,” Noboa stated on social media. “Tomorrow is a holiday! Long live Ecuador!”
Ecuador’s head coach Sebastián Beccacece and his squad had faced significant backlash after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curaçao in their earlier group matches.
“We endured until the final group match, and thankfully we achieved this result,” noted Plata, who netted the game-winner in the 77th minute.
Ecuador finished the group stage in third place, trailing only Germany and Ivory Coast, yet they are guaranteed a position among the top eight third-placed teams in the tournament.
– Grades for every eliminated team as they exit the World Cup
– Ecuador stuns Germany, secures knockout stage berth
– Ecuador fans celebrate fervently after the match against Germany
Plata emphasized the need for his teammates to carry the same determination into the Round of 32 match ahead.
“We will approach the next game with that same hunger, giving it our all regardless of the outcome,” the Flamengo striker asserted. “We know we have 26 players ready to give their all for our devoted fans, who fill the stadiums and make every match feel like home.”