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 nailbiting 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.
Germany had already been assured of winning the group after wins over Ivory Coast and Curacao.
Ivory Coast meanwhile sealed the runners-up spot in Group E after eliminating Curacao
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