The chant of Sí, se puede – yes, we can – reverberated throughout the stadium as 55,000 Ecuadorian supporters witnessed the kickoff of their team’s crucial final group match. Despite a lackluster beginning to their World Cup journey, there was a palpable sense of optimism that they could achieve a surprising victory against a fully equipped German side. With their chances of advancing hinging on a win, Sebastián Beccacece’s squad needed to deliver.
In a thrilling display, La Tri clinched a memorable victory over a misfiring German team. Gonzalo Plata’s decisive goal in the 77th minute ignited fervent celebrations, ensuring Ecuador’s advancement to the knockout stage as one of the top eight third-placed teams.
Germany had already secured the top position in Group E, prompting coach Julian Nagelsmann to make only necessary adjustments due to injuries. He emphasized the importance of fielding a consistent first-choice lineup over rotating players across the squad.
Just two minutes into the match, Aleksandar Pavlovic executed a high boot that allowed him to connect with Florian Wirtz in the box. Wirtz then set up Leroy Sané, who scored Germany’s opening goal with a well-placed shot into the corner. Protests regarding Pavlovic’s challenge were met with no success.
Despite the early setback, the Ecuadorian fans remained undaunted. Their encouragement quickly transformed into celebration as Ecuador made a swift response. Sunderland player Nilson Angulo, one of the fresh faces in Beccacece’s lineup, found the net with a shot from the edge of the box that beat Manuel Neuer. The two Germans involved in the initial goal contributed to their own downfall: Wirtz lost possession to the assist-maker, Vite, while Pavlovic allowed the ball to slip through his legs.
Ecuador effectively exploited Germany’s vulnerabilities, with Angulo and Alan Franco pushing down the flanks and challenging Neuer on multiple occasions. It took another 15 minutes for a rattled German side to threaten again, as Kai Havertz’s header went directly to Hernán Galíndez.
After a hydration break, Germany appeared more composed but Galíndez remained largely unchallenged. Ecuador’s defense, bolstered by Champions League experience, began to solidify, leaving their opponents frustrated and struggling to find rhythm.
As halftime neared, the sí se puede chants grew louder as Ecuador matched the four-time champions in intensity. Under the leadership of an assertive Moisés Caicedo, La Tri displayed ambition that had been lacking in their earlier matches. However, their counterattacks often faltered due to poor choices and last-minute interceptions.
The second half commenced similarly to the first, with Germany being awarded a penalty when Joel Ordóñez fouled Havertz. Ecuador was ultimately spared when a video review revealed that Sané had fouled Vite earlier in the play. John Yeboah emerged as a key figure for Ecuador, frequently navigating through the German midfield, although many of his attempts failed to translate into clear scoring opportunities.
Germany, on the other hand, rarely threatened, with Deniz Undav, their top scorer, finally entering the match just past the hour mark. The Stuttgart striker had expressed contentment with a substitute role but clearly believed he could influence the game from the outset.
Upon returning from the second hydration break, Ecuador’s confidence surged as they successfully held off Germany’s advances. Their best opportunity of the second half came from a miscommunication between Jonathan Tah and Neuer, enabling Kevin Rodríguez to seize the ball and set up Plata, whose attempt narrowly missed the top corner.
Moments later, Rodríguez made a significant contribution again, flicking on a corner he had won after his initial shot was blocked. The ball found its way back to Plata, who skillfully slotted it past Neuer with the outside of his boot.
After taking the lead, Ecuador exhibited a resolute defensive posture, rarely appearing vulnerable. Another opportunity arose for Ángelo Preciado shortly after, but Neuer was well-positioned to thwart it. La Tri ultimately settled into a defensive formation to protect their vital advantage.
Germany continued to rely on David Raum’s crosses from the left as their primary source of creativity, yet Ecuador remained steadfast in the closing moments. By the time Plata carried the ball into the corner deep into stoppage time, celebrations had already commenced among the sea of yellow in the stands.
The most exuberant celebrations came from Beccacece, who leapt into the stands to embrace his family. Under considerable pressure from fans and media following Ecuador’s inability to extend a 19-match unbeaten streak into the tournament, he had faced scrutiny. “I think there’s something they don’t like about me,” the Argentinian acknowledged prior to the match.
Whether this victory over a lackluster German team restores confidence in his leadership and secures his position remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Ecuador’s supporters may have reason to feel optimistic heading into their next match. Sí, se pudo: yes, we could.
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