Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in front of 80,663 spectators at MetLife Stadium to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage.
Gonzalo Plata prodded home the decisive goal in the 77th minute, poking the ball past Manuel Neuer with his left toe after Kevin Rodríguez flicked on a corner from Pedro Vite. It was a moment of redemption for Plata, who had received a kick to the head when Germany opened the scoring.
Early exchange sets tone
Leroy Sané put Germany ahead in the second minute with his 18th international goal, but Ecuador's response was swift. Nilson Angulo levelled the match in the ninth minute after Felix Nmecha surrendered possession in midfield to Vite, who fed Angulo for a strike from outside the box that beat Neuer. It was Ecuador's opening goal of the tournament.
The match turned in Ecuador's favour early in the second half when referee Tori Penso reversed a penalty decision against Joel Ordóñez. Initially given after Ordóñez brought down Kai Havertz within 30 seconds of the restart, the call was overturned on video review after officials determined Sané had fouled Vite in the lead-up.
Historic progression
The victory sent Ecuador through to the round of 16 for only the second time in their World Cup history, the first time since 2006. They finished Group E in third place with four points.
Coach Sebastián Beccacece rushed to the stands to celebrate with supporters after Plata's goal secured the result.
Germany rotate after group secured
Germany had already secured top spot in the group following wins in their opening two fixtures. The German lineup included 40-year-old goalkeeper Neuer, who ended his international retirement to play in this World Cup.