Ecuador upset Germany to reach World Cup last 32 as Curacao eliminated

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.