Predictions
Ecuador 2-1 Germany: Plata's Late Strike Stuns the Four-Time Champions
Leroy Sané scored inside two minutes, but Ecuador answered through Nilson Angulo and won it through Gonzalo Plata in the 77th to beat Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium and reach the round of 32.
It was meant to be a routine evening for Germany. Instead, Ecuador produced the comeback of their World Cup — recovering from an early Leroy Sané goal to beat the four-time champions 2-1 at MetLife Stadium and march into the round of 32. For a side that lost its opening game, it was the perfect way to turn a group campaign around.
How the game unfolded
Germany started like a team that knew it was already through and wanted to make a statement anyway. Leroy Sané struck inside the opening two minutes, punishing an early Ecuadorian lapse and quieting a stadium that had been roaring for La Tri.
The lead barely had time to settle. Nilson Angulo levelled almost immediately, taking aim from distance and beating the German goalkeeper with a clean, confident strike. At 1-1, the complexion of the night changed: Ecuador believed, pressed higher and turned what could have been damage limitation into a genuine contest.
The second half belonged to the underdogs. Ecuador defended with discipline, broke with pace and finally found their reward in the 77th minute, when Gonzalo Plata drove in the winner, set up by substitute Kevin Rodríguez. Germany pushed for an equaliser, but Ecuador’s back line held firm to seal a result that will be remembered for a long time.
What it means
Ecuador finish third in Group E on four points and qualify as one of the best third-placed teams in the 48-side bracket — a remarkable recovery after losing their opener 1-0 to Ivory Coast. Their reward is a place in the round of 32 and the knowledge that, on this evidence, no one will relish drawing them.
For Germany, the defeat is a blemish rather than a disaster. Their earlier wins and a +6 goal difference mean they still top the group and advance as winners, but Hansi Flick’s side will want sharper concentration — and a cleaner first ten minutes — before the knockouts begin.
For the full day across Group E, including Ivory Coast’s historic win over Curaçao, see our June 25 recap.
Scoreline, scorers and standings are confirmed final data, cross-checked against official FIFA match data and major outlets (FIFA.com, ESPN, Fox Sports, Olympics.com). This article contains no estimated or projected scores.