Ecuador has kept its World Cup dreams alive by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years, following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Germany on Thursday at a sold-out MetLife Stadium. The win secures Ecuador's passage from Group E, marking a significant achievement for a team that arrived as a potential dark horse.
Germany took an early lead when Kai Havertz found the net just two minutes into the match. However, Ecuador responded quickly. In the ninth minute, 23-year-old Nilson Angulo leveled the score with a powerful strike from outside the box, past a diving Manuel Neuer, who was making his record 22nd World Cup appearance.
Despite controlling much of the subsequent action, Ecuador struggled to find a second goal, appearing headed for a draw that would have eliminated them. The team had entered the match having failed to score in its previous two World Cup games, including a scoreless draw where they registered at least 15 shots on goal.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata volleyed home the winning goal, securing the upset victory.
Ecuador, which finished with a 1-1-1 record in group play, will await the conclusion of other group matches to determine its next opponent in the Round of 32.
Germany (2-1-0) will also advance to the knockout stage, marking their first appearance since winning the World Cup in 2014. They are scheduled to play their Round of 32 match in Boston.