FIFA World Cup 2026: Ecuador fight back to shock Germany and reach knockout stage
We struggled a lot in the first two matches but now we’re even more determined.“We’ve learnt that you have to give it your all right up to the last minute, even if the goal doesn’t come early on. Today we struggled right to the end and, thank goodness, it went our way.”Germany’s vulnerability exposed againAlready assured of qualification as group winners, Germany finished top with six points, ahead of Ivory Coast on goal difference after the African side beat Curacao 2-0. But it’s clear we can’t afford another defeat.
- ▪We struggled a lot in the first two matches but now we’re even more determined.“We’ve learnt that you have to give it your all right up to the last minute, even if the goal doesn’t come early on.
- ▪Today we struggled right to the end and, thank goodness, it went our way.”Germany’s vulnerability exposed againAlready assured of qualification as group winners, Germany finished top with six points, ahead of Ivory Coast on goal differenc
- ▪But it’s clear we can’t afford another defeat.
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An increasingly desperate Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in their final Group E game on Thursday (June 25, 2026) to drag their World Cup campaign out of the flames and qualify for a place in the last 32.Needing a win — or a miracle —to keep their hopes alive, the South Americans suffered the worst possible start when already-qualified Germany struck in the second minute, with Leroy Sane opening his account at a major international tournament in his 15th appearance at one.Ecuador had failed to score in this tournament despite 39 previous attempts, but finally broke their duck with their 40th shot when Nilson Angulo curled the ball beyond Manuel Neuer to spark wild celebrations among the sea of yellow in the stands.Gonzalo Plata then bundled home the winner with 13 minutes remaining to…
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