Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; June 26: Ecuador scripted one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup by coming from behind to defeat four-time world champions Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday. The memorable victory marked Ecuador’s first-ever win over Germany and secured their place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Germany had already sealed qualification for the Round of 16 before the match. The four-time champions finished at the top of Group E with six points from three matches, while Ivory Coast also collected six points to qualify as runners-up. Ecuador ended the group stage with four points, enough to progress among the eight best third-placed teams. Curacao, with just one point, bowed out of the competition.

The result also marked Ecuador’s second-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds. Their only previous qualification came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, making this achievement a significant milestone in the nation’s football history.

The match began in disastrous fashion for Ecuador as Germany struck almost immediately. Just two minutes after kickoff, Florian Wirtz delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, where Leroy Sane made no mistake in finding the back of the net to hand Germany an early 1-0 lead.

Conceding so early could have shattered Ecuador’s confidence, but the South American side responded with remarkable determination. They gradually settled into the contest, increased the intensity of their attacks, and found the equaliser through Nilson Angulo, who finished confidently to bring Ecuador level and completely change the momentum of the game.

The second half saw Ecuador continue to press forward with growing belief. Their persistence was rewarded when Plata produced the decisive goal, completing a superb comeback that stunned the German defence and sent the Ecuadorian supporters into celebration.

Germany pushed hard in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Ecuador’s disciplined defensive display ensured they protected their slender advantage until the final whistle. The victory not only secured qualification but also ended Germany’s unbeaten record against Ecuador, with the South Americans registering their first triumph in three meetings between the two nations.

Germany will now turn their attention to the knockout phase as Group E winners, Ecuador will carry immense confidence into the next round after defeating one of world football’s most successful nations. The dramatic comeback highlighted Ecuador’s resilience, fighting spirit, and growing stature on the international stage, making this victory one of the most memorable moments in the country’s World Cup history.