Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece dedicated Ecuador’s progress into the World Cup knockout stages to “the people”, following the dramatic victory over Germany.
Ecuador have advanced beyond the group stage for only the second time at the finals – 20 years after previously achieving the feat – after they came from behind to beat the four-time world champions 2-1 in the Group E finale.
La Tri went a goal down thanks to Leroy Sane’s second-minute strike, but quickly responded through Nilson Angulo, before Gonzalo Plata completed the turnaround 12 minutes from time.
It was enough to ensure Ecuador would progress as one of the best third-placed teams, and Beccacece cut an emotional figure after the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium.
“It’s not about what it means to me; this is for the people,” the head coach said. “The players have given them this qualification. Let them celebrate and enjoy it.”
JUNTOS SOMOS FUERTES, TENEMOS LA ILUSIÓN INTACTA
¡VAMOS ECUADOR!
Ecuador, who had failed to score in their opening two games, came from behind to win a World Cup match for only the second time, having also done so against Honduras back in 2014.
“It was such an intense game. We know Germany are destined to be among the candidates to lift the trophy here,” added Plata.
“It was a very difficult game and we were able to take those two chances. In our two previous games, we couldn’t do that and find the net. Thankfully, the confidence of the group was intact, and we could turn the situation around.
“We’ve filled stadiums everywhere, our fans made us feel at home in every stadium. They deserve this more than anyone. Now, we’ll go into the next round even more hungry for glory.”
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