The Ecuador national football team have secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a thrilling 2–1 victory over the Germany national football team in their final Group J match. With the result, Ecuador advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, while Germany progressed as group champions despite the defeat.
At the New Jersey Stadium in the United States, Germany took an early lead in just the second minute when Leroy Sané finished a precise pass from Florian Wirtz, placing the ball into the bottom corner. Ecuador players briefly protested for a foul in the buildup involving Aleksandar Pavlović, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Ecuador responded quickly, equalising in the 9th minute when Nilson Angulo fired a brilliant right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by a pass from Pedro Vite. The first half ended level at 1–1.
Both sides pushed for a winner after the break, but it was Ecuador who struck in the 77th minute. From a corner, a headed pass from Kevin Rodríguez set up Gonzalo Plata, who unleashed a powerful volley into the roof of the net, beating Manuel Neuer to put his team ahead.
No further goals followed, and Ecuador held on for a historic win over the four-time world champions. After the final whistle, celebrations erupted among players, coaching staff, and supporters inside the stadium.
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