Ecuador achieved one of the most important victories in its history this Thursday. In a thrilling match, they beat Germany 2-1 and qualified for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Sebastián Beccacece’s team was against the ropes but found strength in weakness and struck the blow.
The match started badly for La Tri. In the second minute, Leroy Sané opened the scoring with a left-footed shot off the post. Ecuador claimed a previous foul, but VAR did not intervene. It seemed the dream was over. However, the team did not give up. Nilson Angulo, with a thunderbolt, equalized the match just before halftime.
In the second half, Ecuador dominated possession. Moisés Caicedo devoured the midfield, the defense was rock-solid, and up front, Angulo played like a street footballer. Germany, surprised, found no answers. Julian Nagelsmann substituted his stars, but the replacements could not change the story.
With 12 minutes left, Ecuador was saying goodbye to the World Cup. Until a corner from the right, flicked on by Rodríguez, found Gonzalo Plata at the near post. His touch past Manuel Neuer made it 2-1. The stadium in New Jersey, with 80,000 people, erupted. Beccacece, who was packing his bags, hugged his coaching staff and cried with joy.
«Historic,» repeat Ecuadorian media. The Argentine coach was looked at askance by fans, but he pulled off a masterstroke that sparked wild celebrations. «If it’s not possible, I’ll have to leave, but I’ll die standing,» he had warned. Now, his team is still in the race.
Ecuador has a golden generation. Piero Hincapié defends at Arsenal, Willian Pacho is a starter at PSG, Moisés Caicedo shines at Chelsea. They all play in Europe and are indispensable. But the hero was Plata, the author of the goal that sealed qualification.
In the other group match, Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2-0 and finished second. Ecuador finished third but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany, on the other hand, must analyze their elimination. The German team ended a streak of 11 consecutive wins and exited in the group stage.
«Yes we can, yes we can!» chanted Ecuadorian fans amid tears. Football is a box of surprises. Ecuador remains in the World Cup and has just completed its masterpiece. Beccacece, who was not in the hearts of the fans, is now a hero.
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para mí esto huele a chamuyo de los medios. plata el pibe champán les rompió el orto a los alemanes con la garra ecuatoriana. beccacece messi táctico te la re banco a muerte. vamooo ecua carajo el pueblo unido jamás será vencido. alemania a su casa a llorar.
Para mí estos qlios no entienden nada de fútbol. Beccacece es un técnico de verdad, les calló la boca a todos los giles. Alemania? unos pechos fríos, no tienen huevos. Viva la Tri carajo, vamos x la copa, esto huele a gloria.