NEW JERSEY, United States – Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 32. Sebastián Beccacece's side needed nothing less than victory, and Gonzalo Plata's decisive strike ensured they got it. Leroy Sané had given Germany the lead amid controversy after a foul by Aleksandar Pavlović on Pedro Vite went unpunished. Nilson Angulo levelled almost immediately before Manuel Neuer's costly mistake from a corner allowed Plata to snatch the winner.
Ecuador's tournament was on the line. Their precarious position meant they had to defeat Julian Nagelsmann's Germany, and the South Americans rose to the occasion. They were not alone, however, as their supporters carried them throughout the match. The Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey felt more like a ground in Quito or Guayaquil. The largest Ecuadorian community in the United States lives across Newark, New Jersey and New York City, explaining the sea of yellow shirts, relentless backing and infectious passion. Ecuador truly enjoyed home advantage.
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The match began with controversy after Germany took the lead inside the opening minute. David Raum delivered a cross into the box and Pavlović challenged Vite, catching the Ecuadorian midfielder in the head with his boot. It appeared to be a clear foul, but play continued. Pavlović recovered the ball, combined with Florian Wirtz, who then set up Sané to make it 1-0. Ecuador's players immediately appealed, but referee Tori Penso allowed the goal to stand after consulting VAR.
Ecuador responded superbly and equalised in the eighth minute. Vite dispossessed Felix Nmecha before switching play to Nilson Angulo on the left. The young Sunderland winger needed no second invitation, unleashing an unstoppable strike. The left-wing position had been rotated throughout the tournament, with Alan Minda starting the opener and Pervis Estupiñán featuring in the second match, but this time Angulo justified Beccacece's faith.
What Beccacece has never doubted is the strength of his spine. If Ecuador were to fall, it would be with their leaders on the pitch: Willian Pacho, Joel Ordóñez and Piero Hincapié marshalled the defence alongside Alan Franco; captain Moisés Caicedo dictated the tempo in midfield; Pedro Vite, arguably the outstanding player on the night, provided the creativity; while Plata and John Yeboah supplied the flair out wide in support of Enner Valencia. Despite enduring a frustrating run in front of goal, the Pachuca striker never stopped working for the team.
Germany, meanwhile, made very few changes despite already having secured top spot with two wins from two. Nagelsmann still named a largely first-choice XI, although his side has noticeably lost momentum as the tournament has progressed and heads into the knockout rounds with confidence beginning to fade.
The early goals did little to reduce the intensity. Jamal Musiala fired wide for Germany, while Alan Franco delivered a dangerous cross that flashed across goal without finding a finishing touch. Kai Havertz later headed tamely into Hernán Galíndez's hands, but clear-cut opportunities were scarce for the remainder of the first half.
Shortly after the restart, the American referee awarded Germany a penalty after ruling that Joel Ordóñez had fouled Havertz, only to overturn the decision following a VAR review. At the other end, Enner Valencia created space brilliantly before forcing Neuer into a save with a powerful effort. Kevin Rodríguez also came close, but the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise forward was unable to beat the veteran German goalkeeper.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute. Rodríguez flicked on a corner at the near post, Neuer misjudged the situation completely, and Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to poke home from close range. The Ecuadorian fans erupted, sensing qualification for the first time all evening. Ecuador then saw out the closing stages thanks to the composure of Caicedo and Vite in midfield, combined with the authority of Pacho and Ordóñez at the back.
The victory sees Ecuador advance as the highest-ranked third-placed side and into the Round of 32. Earlier results elsewhere, including defeats against Côte d'Ivoire (1-0) and Curaçao (0-0), had left qualification hanging by a thread. Yet when faced with Germany, La Tri produced their finest performance of the tournament and deservedly secured their place in the knockout stage.
After a disappointing start to the competition, Enner Valencia's lack of goals and inconsistent displays from the wide players had highlighted more weaknesses than strengths. Even so, Ecuador remains an exceptionally resilient side. They impressed during South American qualifying and possess the organisation, athleticism and quality to trouble any nation in the world. Their American dream is very much alive.
Photos by Ayman Aref Mohamed Saad / JNA Press
