Gonzalo Plata's second-half strike sparked wild Ecuador celebrations as they defeated Germany 2-1 to advance to the World Cup last 32. The victory, secured at a packed stadium with 55,000 Ecuador fans, ensured La Tri progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Early German Lead and Ecuador's Swift Response
Germany opened the scoring in the second minute when Aleksandar Pavlovic's high boot knocked the ball past Pedro Vite, finding Florian Wirtz, who set up Leroy Sané to tuck the ball into the bottom corner. Ecuador's protests over Pavlovic's challenge were futile, but the fans remained undeterred.
Ecuador responded within minutes. Nilson Angulo, one of two new faces in Sebastián Beccacece's lineup, found Manuel Neuer's far corner from the edge of the box. The goal came after Wirtz lost the ball to assist-maker Vite, and Pavlovic let the ball through his legs.
Ecuador's Dominance and Missed Opportunities
Ecuador pushed relentlessly down the sides, exploiting Germany's weak spots and forcing Neuer into action. Germany's next threat came 15 minutes later when Kai Havertz headed straight at goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. After the hydration break, Germany regained some control but failed to trouble Galíndez significantly.
Ecuador's defence, half of which comprised Champions League finalists, held firm, leaving Germany frustrated. Led by an imposing Moisés Caicedo, La Tri showed intensity and ambition rarely seen in their first two games. However, their counterattacks were blunted by poor decision-making and last-ditch blocks.
Second Half Drama and Plata's Winner
The second half began with a penalty awarded to Germany after Joel Ordóñez bundled over Havertz, but a video review showed Sané fouled Vite earlier, sparing Ecuador. John Yeboah weaved through Germany's midfield on several occasions, though few initiatives developed into full chances.
Germany's top scorer Deniz Undav came on at the hour mark, having insisted he was happy as a supersub. Ecuador's best chance came from a mix-up between Jonathan Tah and Neuer, allowing Kevin Rodríguez to find Plata, whose shot flew just wide.
Plata redeemed himself minutes later. Rodríguez flicked on a corner he had won after his shot was blocked, and the ball fell to Plata, who prodded it past Neuer with the outside of his boot in the 77th minute. Ecuador rarely looked like conceding momentum, with Ángelo Preciado forcing a save from Neuer before dropping back to defend their lead.
Victory and Coach's Relief
David Raum's deliveries from the left served as Germany's main creative threat, but Ecuador remained assured. At full time, Beccacece leapt into the stands to celebrate with his family, having faced intense scrutiny from fans and media after Ecuador failed to carry over a 19-match unbeaten run into the tournament. "I think there's something they don't like about me," the Argentinian acknowledged before the game.
Whether beating an uninspired Germany side restores faith in the head coach remains to be seen, but the Ecuador supporters could change their tune on Thursday evening. Sí, se pudo: yes, we could.
