sports
Plata’s golden touch against Germany sends Ecuador into World Cup last 32
Sí, se puede – yes, we can – was the chant that rang out from the 55,000 Ecuador fans as their team’s final group match kicked off. Despite a flat start to their World Cup campaign, there was a genuine belief that an upset against a full-strength Germany was possible. They had no other choice: having been shut out by Eloy Room’s heroics for Curaçao, Sebastián Beccacece’s side had to win to progress.
TL;DR
- Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in their final group match to qualify for the World Cup last 32.
- Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal in the 77th minute.
- Leroy Sané opened the scoring for Germany, with Nilson Angulo equalizing for Ecuador.
- Ecuador advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
- The victory eased pressure on head coach Sebastián Beccacece.