Ecuador pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets, defeating Germany 2-1 in East Rutherford to secure their place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute winner completed a dramatic comeback after Leroy Sané's second-minute strike put Germany ahead. Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute, giving Ecuador their first victory over a UEFA opponent since 2013.

Manuel Neuer's return from international retirement proved costly as the 40-year-old keeper struggled throughout. He has now conceded four goals while making just three saves at the World Cup. Germany's defensive woes continued with their ninth consecutive game without a clean sheet, matching their worst such run from 1934-1954. A VAR review controversially allowed Sané's opener despite apparent contact with Plata.

The result snapped Germany's 11-match winning streak, falling one short of their team record. Ecuador advanced as one of the tournament's best third-place teams with four points, reaching the knockout stage for only the second time in their history and the first since 2006. Germany will face Paraguay, Australia or Sweden in Foxborough.

A record crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium pushed World Cup attendance past 3.6 million, exceeding the 1994 U.S. tournament mark. This victory represents a watershed moment for Ecuadorian football on the world stage.