Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey and secure a place in the World Cup round of 32. Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute after goals from Leroy Sane and Nilson Angulo.
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece said he would have lost his job without the result. "I expected to lose my job if we did not make ‘the impossible possible’,” he said. "It’s not about what it means to me; this is for the people."
Leroy Sane gave Germany the lead after two minutes but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later with a long-range strike. Ecuador had four points after the win and advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Plata reacted to a corner to score the decisive goal. "We have 26 players who will give their all for Ecuador," he said after the match. The team will likely face England in the last 32.
