Ecuador secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Thursday to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last 32.
The South Americans overturned an early setback with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Germany opened the scoring less than two minutes after kickoff through Leroy Sane in the Group E encounter.
The goal sparked protests from Ecuador, who believed Pedro Vite had been fouled moments earlier.
Ecuador argued that Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Vite in the head with a high boot before the move continued.
Despite the protests, the referee allowed the goal to stand after no foul was awarded.
The South Americans quickly recovered and restored parity seven minutes later.
Angulo fired a low shot beyond Manuel Neuer after Felix Nmecha surrendered possession inside Germany’s half.
Germany threatened again early in the second half when Kai Havertz appeared to win a penalty.
However, VAR reviewed the incident and overturned the decision after spotting a foul by Sane during the attacking move.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced Deniz Undav after the hour mark, hoping to regain control.
Undav entered the match after scoring twice in Germany’s previous victory over Ivory Coast.
Ecuador continued attacking as they chased the result needed to remain in the competition.
Enner Valencia forced Neuer into an important save with a powerful strike from inside the area.
A misunderstanding between Neuer and Jonathan Tah almost gifted Ecuador another opportunity.
Kevin Rodriguez nearly capitalised before Gonzalo Plata missed the resulting cross from Moises Caicedo.
Germany wasted a golden chance when Sane failed to beat Hernan Galindez with a tame effort.
Ecuador punished that missed opportunity with 13 minutes remaining.
Rodriguez flicked on a corner before Plata stabbed the ball home from close range.
The winning goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Ecuadorian supporters inside the stadium.
The victory ended Germany’s 11-match winning streak at the FIFA World Cup.
Ecuador advanced as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Germany had already secured first place in Group E before the match.
The four-time champions will face another third-placed side in the Round of 32 on Monday in Foxborough.
Nagelsmann made two enforced changes before kickoff because of injuries.
Antonio Rudiger replaced Nico Schlotterbeck, who was ruled out with ankle ligament damage.
David Raum also returned at left-back in place of Nathaniel Brown.
The victory sends Ecuador into the World Cup knockout stage for only the second time in their history.
