Gonzalo Plata and Nilson Angulo overturn Leroy Sane’s controversial opener in New Jersey to end Germany’s 11-match winning streak.
DUBAI: Ecuador kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive in spectacular fashion on Thursday, June 25, 2026, pulling off a memorable 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Germany at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Gonzalo Plata scored a dramatic 77th-minute winner to secure the South Americans a spot in the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
Germany, who had already assured themselves of the top spot in Group E, took a controversial lead less than two minutes into the match. Leroy Sane swept home a first-time shot following a lay-off from Florian Wirtz. However, the goal left Ecuador incensed; the South Americans furiously protested that a foul should have been given earlier in the build-up when Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high boot.
Despite the early setback, Ecuador, who entered the match with just one point from their opening two games, hit back within seven minutes. Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo capitalised on a mistake by Felix Nmecha in his own half, drilling a low 20-yard strike past German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to level the score. Germany thought they had earned a penalty just 30 seconds into the second half when Kai Havertz went down under a challenge from Joel Ordonez, but a VAR review overturned the decision due to an earlier foul by Sane on Vite.
As the game wore on, Ecuador threw caution to the wind knowing only a win would suffice. After several close chances, including an Enner Valencia effort saved by Neuer and a defensive mix-up between Neuer and Jonathan Tah, the breakthrough finally arrived 13 minutes from time. Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner, allowing Gonzalo Plata to stab the ball home from close range. The historic strike not only booked Ecuador’s place in the knockout stage for only the second time but also brought an end to Germany’s impressive 11-match winning streak.
Germany will now travel to Foxborough on Monday for their round-of-32 clash against another third-placed finisher, marking their first World Cup knockout appearance since winning the tournament in 2014. Following the defeat, German captain Joshua Kimmich expressed frustration over his side’s defensive lapses, warning MagentaTV that they cannot afford to keep giving the ball away or conceding cheap goals if they intend to progress further in the tournament.
Tournament Implications and Formations: Julian Nagelsmann made two injury-enforced changes to the German starting lineup for this fixture, bringing in Antonio Rudiger to replace Nico Schlotterbeck, who was ruled out of the World Cup with ankle ligament damage, while David Raum replaced Nathaniel Brown at left-back. Despite the loss, Germany advances as group leaders, whereas Ecuador’s tactical resilience rewards them with a coveted knockout berth, echoing their historical best at a FIFA World Cup where they look to navigate a highly competitive expanded format.
