Ecuador vs Germany

Ecuador pulled off a memorable World Cup upset, beating Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium on June 25. The standout moment came in the 80th minute when Gonzalo Plata poked home from a corner to seal a dramatic late winner for La Tri. Leroy Sané had Germany ahead inside five minutes with a clinical finish, but Ecuador responded almost immediately — Nilson Angulo equalized at the 10-minute mark with a brilliant strike from just outside the box. The pivotal moment arrived in the 50th minute when VAR overturned a German penalty, ruling that Sané had fouled in the build-up. Kevin Rodríguez then flicked on a late corner at the near post, and Plata was perfectly placed to apply the decisive touch. For Ecuador, the win keeps their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides very much alive. Germany, already through to the Round of 32, saw their impressive winning run come to a surprising end.