Ecuador beat Germany to likely book place in WC knockouts

Ecuador have all-but qualified for a place in the 2026 World Cup knockouts after coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1.

In a lively first half, Leroy Sane's early opener was quickly cancelled out by Nilson Angulo's equaliser. Then Gonzalo Plata made himself a hero, nipping in to score the winning goal in the 77th-minute.

The victory leaves Ecuador third in Group E but almost certain to advance to the round of 32.

Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 in the other game in the group to finish second behind Germany.

Ecuador have turned around a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory and they are all but confirmed in the round of 32.

Germany didn't need a goal for qualification purposes, but they absolutely needed to find one if they are to avoid a media shoeing over the next couple of days.