Ecuador stuns Germany 2-1, Ivory Coast eliminates Curaçao to reshape World Cup Group E

Ecuador overcomes Germany in New Jersey

Ecuador produced the shock of the day by defeating four-time world champions Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium. Germany went ahead after just two minutes when Leroy Sané finished off a move involving Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florian Wirtz. Ecuador protested vehemently over a high boot by Pavlovic on Pedro Vite in the build-up, but referee Tori Penso and the VAR allowed the goal to stand.

The Ecuadorians responded immediately. Nilson Angulo, formerly of Anderlecht, levelled in the ninth minute with a curling shot from outside the box that beat Manuel Neuer. The teams traded chances but the score remained 1-1 at the break.

Early in the second half, Penso awarded Germany a penalty for a foul by Joel Ordonez on Kai Havertz, only to reverse the decision after reviewing the monitor because of an earlier infringement on Vite. Ecuador then grew into the contest, and Gonzalo Plata capitalised on German defensive slackness. Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner in the 77th minute and Plata touched the ball past Neuer to make it 2-1, a lead Ecuador held.

Pépé double sends Ivory Coast through

In Philadelphia, Ivory Coast needed a win to guarantee progression and got it with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao. Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring in the seventh minute, tapping in after Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive mix-up in Curaçao’s backline. The Blue Wave, coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, struggled to create clearcut chances despite spells of possession. A first-half effort from Tahith Chong and a second-half shot by Sherel Floranus were the closest they came.

Pépé put the game out of reach in the 64th minute. Ibrahim Sangaré, the former PSV midfielder, threaded a pass to Pépé, who blasted high past goalkeeper Eloy Room for his second of the match. Ivory Coast saw out the remainder comfortably, celebrating a first-ever progression beyond the group stage at a World Cup after failed attempts in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Group E standings and what comes next

The results left Germany top of Group E with six points, the same tally as Ivory Coast but ahead on tie-breakers. Ecuador’s four points were enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Curaçao finished bottom with a single point, earned in a goalless draw against Ecuador earlier in the group.

Germany will face a third-placed team from Group A, B, C, D or F in the last 32. Ivory Coast awaits the winner of Group I, which will be decided when France and Norway meet on Friday. Ecuador must also wait to learn its next opponent.

Curaçao’s debut campaign ends with pride

Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to participate in a World Cup with roughly 155,000 inhabitants, bowed out after a campaign that began two years ago with a qualifying win over Barbados. A heavy 7-1 loss to Germany in the opener was followed by a resilient 0-0 draw with Ecuador, keeping knockout-stage hopes alive until the final match. Advocaat had targeted a place in the last 32, acknowledging the difficulty of a group containing Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

Despite the elimination, the team collected a first World Cup goal and a first point. Goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered several standout performances, and midfielder Tahith Chong, the only squad member born on the island, impressed. The future of the team is uncertain: sponsor Corendon said in May it would end its backing after the tournament, and Advocaat is expected to step down.