Story perspectives

Ecuador Stages Comeback, Beats Germany 2-1, Qualifies

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ecuador rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat Germany 2-1 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, securing a spot among the tournament’s best third-placed qualifiers.
Leroy Sane gave Germany the opening goal in the second minute after Florian Wirtz’s quick throw-in.
Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute, curling the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 78th minute after Kevin Rodriguez flicked a corner to the near post.

History

Historical Context

Co-hosting the 2002 World Cup, South Korea stunned Italy 2-1 in extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan scoring the winner and becoming the first Asian side to reach the semi-finals; the tournament also featured four debutant nations—China, Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia—who produced surprise victories, prompting federations to boost significant national youth programmes.

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Story summary

Ecuador rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat Germany 2-1 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, securing a spot among the tournament’s best third-placed qualifiers.
Leroy Sane gave Germany the opening goal in the second minute after Florian Wirtz’s quick throw-in.
Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute, curling the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 78th minute after Kevin Rodriguez flicked a corner to the near post.

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