Ecuador Stun Germany With Second-Half Winner to Reach Round of 32

Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday night, reaching the World Cup knockout stage in dramatic fashion after failing to score in their first two group games. 

Gonzalo Plata stabbed in a winner 13 minutes from time to send the yellow-clad Ecuador supporters into raptures and move their side top of the third-place standings with four points. Germany, already through as group winners, were sluggish throughout and paid the price.

The game could not have started worse for Ecuador. Leroy Sane picked up Florian Wirtz's clever pass inside the area and fired past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez after just two minutes. Ecuador were furious, convinced that Aleksandar Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite with a high boot in the build-up, but the goal stood despite their protests.

Fuelled by the injustice and roared on by their supporters, Ecuador hit back seven minutes later. Nilson Angulo, a constant threat throughout, drove a low strike past Manuel Neuer to level things up and set the tone for an increasingly vibrant second-half performance.

Germany had a penalty overturned by VAR early in the second half after a foul was spotted in the build-up, and Ecuador grew in confidence as the game wore on. Their reward came when Plata reacted quickest at a corner to poke the ball home and send the stadium into a frenzy.

The result is a blow to Scotland's chances of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Steve Clarke's side, who have three points and a goal difference of minus three, now sit in the final qualifying spot with other groups still to finish.

Ecuador will now potentially face England in the round of 32 if they hold onto their third-place ranking. 

After going scoreless across their first two matches, a draw with Curacao and a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, the South Americans showed what they are capable of when it matters most. 

With Moises Caicedo pulling strings in midfield and Angulo causing havoc in attack, they will be a threat to anyone in the knockout stage.

Germany finish top of Group E and now prepare for their last 32 tie.