Gonzalo Plata’s 77th-minute strike sparked wild and emotional celebrations among the 55,000 Ecuador fans at the New York New Jersey Stadium, as La Tri secured a famous 2-1 victory over Germany to book their place in the World Cup last 32. The win, achieved against an error-prone Mannschaft, assured their progression as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
“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,” wrote Raphaël Jucobin in the Guardian. 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.
“Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 to qualify for World Cup last 32 as Plata's 77th-minute goal sealed victory.”
Germany, already guaranteed top spot in Group E after wins over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, made only injury-induced changes. But within two minutes, Aleksandar Pavlovic knocked the ball past Pedro Vite with a high boot, finding Florian Wirtz, who set up Leroy Sané to tuck his first goal of the tournament into the bottom corner. The protests over Pavlovic’s challenge were lengthy but futile.
The fans in yellow were undeterred. Chants of encouragement turned to jubilation as Ecuador found a rapid response: Sunderland’s Nilson Angulo, one of two new faces in Beccacece’s lineup, found Manuel Neuer’s far corner from the edge of the box. The two Germans who created the opener were at fault – Wirtz lost the ball to Vite, and Pavlovic let it through his legs.
Ecuador pressed relentlessly down the sides, making Neuer work. Germany regained some control after the hydration break, but goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez was largely untroubled. With half-time approaching, the “sí se puede” chants grew louder.
Early in the second half, Ecuador continued to probe. Then, in the 77th minute, Plata reacted quickest to direct Kevin Rodríguez’s flick on over Neuer, giving Ecuador a 2-1 lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the 55,000 Ecuador fans, who had dared to believe.
Germany, wearing their away kit due to FIFA regulations mandating contrast against Ecuador’s lighter home colours, could not find an equaliser. The victory sent Ecuador into the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams, while Germany – already group winners – will face a knockout opponent.
For Beccacece’s side, it was a stirring performance that earned a famous victory. As the final whistle blew, the chant “Sí, se puede” echoed around the stadium – a belief realised.