Ecuador have kept their World Cup dream alive with one of the tournament's most dramatic results so far, coming from behind to beat group winners Germany 2-1 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Thursday. The result, secured by Gonzalo Plata's close-range winner 13 minutes from time, sends the South Americans into the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams — only the second time in their history they have reached the knockout stage.

The match began disastrously for Ecuador, who had collected just one point from their first two Group E games and needed a win to survive. Leroy Sane, playing in his 15th major international appearance, struck in the second minute after a quick throw-in allowed Florian Wirtz to set him up inside the area. Ecuador were furious, arguing that Aleksandar Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite in the head with a raised boot in the build-up, but referee Tori Penso allowed the goal to stand. The team's anger seemed to galvanise them, however. Nilson Angulo — a winger at English club Sunderland — curled a composed 20-yard strike past Manuel Neuer in the ninth minute to level the scores, Ecuador's first goal of the tournament after 39 fruitless efforts.

Controversy continued into the second half when Penso awarded Germany a penalty after Kai Havertz appeared to be tripped, only for VAR to overturn the decision upon finding a prior German foul in the build-up. Germany, already assured of top spot and chasing what would have been a 12th successive victory, increasingly threatened without converting their chances. Sane had a clear opportunity to restore the lead but shot tamely, and Ecuador punished that miss through Plata, who reacted quickest to stab home after substitute Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner at the near post.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich acknowledged his side's recurring defensive frailties, noting that they had conceded in all three group games.