Ecuador secured a place in the World Cup last 32 with a surprise 2-1 victory over already-qualified Germany on Thursday, while the Netherlands, Japan and Ivory Coast also progressed as the knockout draw began to take shape.
The decisive result came at MetLife Stadium, where Gonzalo Plata scored the winner 13 minutes from time to seal Ecuador’s place among the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Germany had made the perfect start when Leroy Sane put them ahead after just two minutes with a controversial goal. Ecuador responded through Nilson Angulo before Plata struck late to earn a memorable victory. The result left Ecuador on four points in Group E, enough to secure qualification despite finishing behind Germany and Ivory Coast.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece dedicated the achievement to the country’s supporters.
“The significance of this is not for me; it is for the people,” he said.
“The players gave huge happiness to the people. We have to enjoy it and celebrate, please.”
Germany had already guaranteed top spot in the group after victories over Ivory Coast and Curacao, but coach Julian Nagelsmann criticised his team’s performance.
“We got off to a great start,” he said. “Unfortunately, right after scoring, we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning. That makes things difficult.
“Ecuador had everything to play for, and you could tell—they had their foot on the gas.”
Ivory Coast secured second place in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Curacao in Philadelphia, as Nicolas Pepe scored both goals to send the West African nation into the knockout stage for the first time.
Coach Emerse Fae urged supporters to savour the achievement while continuing to back the team.
“My message to fans would be to enjoy this historic qualification and celebrate it,” he said.
“Once we are done celebrating, please continue sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament.”
Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to compete at a World Cup, finished bottom of the group with one point.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands completed their Group F campaign with a 3-1 win over Tunisia in Kansas City to finish top of the standings with seven points. An own goal from Ellyes Skhiri was followed by strikes from Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke as Ronald Koeman’s side comfortably overcame Tunisia, who exited the tournament without a point.
Japan finished second in the group after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in Arlington, Texas. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead early in the second half with a well-worked team goal before Anthony Elanga equalised from long range to secure Sweden’s progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
“The boys were fantastic,” Sweden coach Graham Potter said. “Over the course of the game it was a pretty fair result and arguably we were slightly the better team in the second half.”
The Netherlands will face Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, in the last 32, while Japan takes on Group C winners Brazil for a place in the last 16.
Later on Thursday, Group D concludes with the United States facing already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles. The Americans have already secured first place and will next meet Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout stage.
Australia and Paraguay meet in Santa Clara in a direct battle for second place. A draw would be enough for Australia to advance because of their superior goal difference and would also be likely to send Paraguay through as one of the best third-placed teams.
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