Ivory Coast and Ecuador advance in World Cup as Germany fall to shock loss but top Group E

Final day in Group E

Germany had already clinched the group after wins against Ivory Coast and Curacao, but a second-string line-up stumbled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Leroy Sané poked home a contested early goal after two minutes, yet Ecuador fought back.

Ecuador’s dramatic comeback

Nilson Angulo equalised for the South Americans, and with 13 minutes left Gonzalo Plata jabbed home from close range to seal a 2‑1 win. Ecuador finished with four points, enough to claim one of the eight best third‑placed spots and a place in the round of 32.

It’s unnecessary to take a risk.

The USA, already top of Group D, are expected to rotate heavily against Turkey as they look ahead to the knockouts.

Pépé double sends Ivory Coast through

In Philadelphia, Nicolas Pépé fired Ivory Coast into the last 32 with a brace against Curacao. He struck first in the seventh minute after Yan Diomande’s dancing feet forced a turnover, then added a second in the 64th minute from Ibrahim Sangaré’s defence‑splitting pass. The 2‑0 win gave the West Africans six points and the group runners‑up spot.

Ivory Coast barely had to find more than second or third gear in this comfortable 2‑0 win.

It is the first time Ivory Coast have survived the group stage. They will face the Group I runner‑up (France or Norway) in Dallas on 30 June.

Curacao’s fairy‑tale ends

Curacao, the smallest country by population to play in a World Cup, leave the tournament with one point after a spirited campaign. They held Ecuador to a goalless draw and briefly threatened to snatch a third‑place spot when Germany took the early lead, but Pépé’s opener and Ecuador’s equaliser extinguished their hopes. They finish bottom of Group E.

Curacao gave good sport in five of the six halves they played at this tournament.

Knockout picture

Scotland’s slim chances hinged on results in this group but a 3‑0 loss to Brazil the previous night left them needing an Ecuador defeat. Meanwhile, Group I will be decided on 26 June when France meet Norway, with the runner‑up set to play Ivory Coast.