Ecuador Upsets Germany 2-1 to Reach World Cup Knockouts

Ecuador triumphed over Germany with a 2-1 victory on Thursday at MetLife Stadium, securing their advancement to the World Cup knockout stage. The match saw Germany take an early lead with a controversial goal from Leroy Sane.

However, Ecuador quickly equalized through Nilson Angulo and later clinched the win with a close-range goal from Gonzalo Plata in the 13th minute. This result allowed Ecuador to finish Group E with four points, guaranteeing their place in the last 32 as one of the best third-place teams.

Germany, already assured of winning their group, faced the upset. In related matches, Ivory Coast secured their knockout stage spot by defeating Curacao 2-0, marking the first time the West African nation reached this stage.

Curacao, the smallest country by population to compete in the World Cup, exited the tournament with no points.