Plata strikes late to seal Ecuador comeback against Germany

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·25 juin 2026

Plata strikes late to seal Ecuador comeback against Germany

Ecuador completed a stunning comeback to defeat Germany 2–1 and secure their place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Leroy Sané's second-minute opener was cancelled out by Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute before Gonzalo Plata struck the decisive winner with thirteen minutes remaining.

The result marked Ecuador's first-ever victory over the four-time world champions and ended Germany's perfect tournament record. Despite already securing top spot in Group E, Julian Nagelsmann's decision to field a strong lineup backfired as his side struggled to break down Ecuador's disciplined defensive structure after the break. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Ecuador v Germany.

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Winners

Gonzalo Plata (Ecuador)

Gonzalo Plata delivered the decisive moment of the match with his 77th-minute winner that completed Ecuador's comeback victory against Germany. His left-footed strike into the top right corner from inside the six-yard area gave Manuel Neuer no chance and sparked wild celebrations at MetLife Stadium.

The forward had earlier missed a similar opportunity in the 72nd minute when his left-footed effort from the centre of the area spun wide. He showed persistence and clever movement to find space, anticipating Kevin Rodríguez's headed knockdown from a corner to position himself perfectly for the finish.

Plata's goal ensured Ecuador qualified for the knockout rounds and inflicted Germany's first defeat of the tournament. His directness on the ball and willingness to run at defenders caused problems throughout, earning a yellow card in the 89th minute as he helped protect the lead in the closing stages.

Nilson Angulo (Ecuador)

Nilson Angulo's ninth-minute equalizer ended Ecuador's 242-minute goalless drought at World Cup finals and shifted the momentum back towards the South Americans. His precise right-footed strike from the edge of the area found the bottom right corner beyond Manuel Neuer after collecting Pedro Vite's pass in the left channel.

The goal originated from a German error, with Vite capitalizing on Felix Nmecha's poor touch in midfield to release Angulo quickly. The winger carried the ball towards the area with purpose before striking a confident shot that beat the goalkeeper cleanly and sparked emotional celebrations.

Angulo's contribution extended beyond the goal, as he continued to threaten down the left flank throughout the match. He combined effectively with Piero Hincapié in wide areas and showed willing in defensive transitions before being replaced by Jordy Caicedo in the 85th minute to help protect the lead.

Loser

Felix Nmecha (Germany)

Felix Nmecha endured a frustrating evening that saw him directly contribute to Ecuador's equalizing goal through a poor touch in midfield. Pedro Vite pounced on his failed control to quickly release Nilson Angulo, who promptly levelled the score in the ninth minute and shifted the contest's momentum.

The midfielder struggled to impose himself on proceedings despite testing Hernán Galíndez with efforts from distance. His shot in the 14th minute from outside the area went wide left following a pass from Jamal Musiala, while another attempt was blocked by Moisés Caicedo as Germany failed to capitalize on possession.

Nmecha was substituted for Maximilian Beier in the 64th minute as Julian Nagelsmann sought more attacking impetus. His inability to control the midfield battle allowed Ecuador to grow in confidence, ultimately contributing to Germany's first defeat of the tournament despite their group-stage position remaining unaffected.