Ecuador squeezed into the last 32 of the World Cup with an upset 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, as Ivory Coast ended Curacao’s fairytale campaign to seal their passage to the knockout rounds.
A nail-biting Group E game between Ecuador and group winners Germany at the MetLife Stadium was settled 13 minutes from time, when Gonzalo Plata jabbed home the winning goal from close range for the South Americans.
Plata’s winner came after Ecuador had recovered after Germany took the lead from a controversial Leroy Sane goal after two minutes before equalising through Nilson Angulo.
The result means Ecuador finished Group E with four points, guaranteeing them a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
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Germany had already been assured of winning the group after wins over the Ivory Coast and Curacao.
Ivory Coast meanwhile, sealed the runners-up spot in Group E after eliminating Curacao in Philadelphia, Nicolas Pepe scoring twice in a 2-0 victory. It is the first time that the West African nation have reached the knockout stage.
Curacao, the smallest country by population ever to play in the World Cup, departed the tournament with one point to finish bottom of the group.
(AFP)
