Ecuador produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 on Thursday, securing a place in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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‎Despite falling behind inside the opening two minutes, the South Americans responded with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to claim a memorable victory before a passionate Ecuadorian crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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‎Germany took an early lead through Leroy Sané, who finished from close range after combining with Florian Wirtz. However, Ecuador protested the goal, arguing that Pedro Vite had been fouled moments earlier when Aleksandar Pavlovic caught him with a high boot. The referee allowed play to continue, and the goal stood.
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‎Ecuador quickly recovered from the setback, drawing level seven minutes later. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo capitalised on a defensive error by Felix Nmecha before firing a low strike beyond German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from outside the penalty area.
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‎Germany created several opportunities to regain the lead. Kai Havertz tested Hernán GalÃndez with a header and was initially awarded a penalty early in the second half after being brought down in the box. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned after officials ruled that Sané had committed a foul earlier in the attacking move.
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‎Coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced Deniz Undav, who had impressed as a substitute earlier in the tournament, in search of a breakthrough, but Ecuador continued to threaten on the counterattack.
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‎Enner Valencia forced Neuer into an important save before confusion between the German goalkeeper and defender Jonathan Tah nearly gifted Ecuador another opportunity.
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‎Germany then squandered a clear chance to restore their advantage when Sané failed to beat GalÃndez from a promising position.
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‎Ecuador made Germany pay with 13 minutes remaining. Kevin RodrÃguez flicked on a corner kick, allowing Gonzalo Plata to bundle the ball home from close range and complete the turnaround.
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‎The victory ended Germany’s 11-match winning streak and secured Ecuador’s qualification as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, marking only the second time the South American nation has reached the World Cup knockout rounds.
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‎Although defeated, Germany had already secured top spot in Group E and will face another third-placed side in the last 32 at Foxborough on Monday.
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