Ecuador advances to World Cup knockout rounds, beats Germany 2-1
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Gonzalo Plata scored a decisive goal in the 77th minute, leading Ecuador to a 2-1 comeback victory over Germany and securing Ecuador's advancement to the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 2006.
- Ecuador finished third in Group E with four points, moving on to potentially face Mexico in the round of 16, while Germany, already qualified, will play its next match on Monday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- Germany's 11-game winning streak ended, with players acknowledging Ecuador's greater hunger and effort, especially in the second half, as key to the upset.
- The match featured early goals from Leroy Sané for Germany and Nilson Angulo for Ecuador, with a controversial video review overturning an initial penalty awarded to Germany in the second half.
- Ecuador's coach Sebastián Beccacece expressed relief and determination after a challenging group stage, while the enthusiastic Ecuadorian fan presence contributed to a record World Cup attendance at MetLife Stadium.
