Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey, putting themselves into the last 32 of the World Cup as one of the best third-placed teams.
Early Exchanges and Quick Equaliser
Leroy Sane had fired Germany, who were already qualified as group winners, into an early lead at the MetLife Stadium. However, Nilson Angulo soon had Ecuador level after just nine minutes, setting the stage for a tense encounter.
VAR Drama and Decisive Strike
Germany had a penalty at the start of the second half overturned following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. With 13 minutes left, Gonzalo Plata stabbed in the winner to leave the South Americans on four points and top of the third-place rankings.
Impact on Scotland's Hopes
Ecuador's victory further dents Scotland's hopes of making it through to the last 32. Steve Clarke's side, who have three points and a minus three goal difference, now drop down into the final eighth spot, but with other groups still to finish.
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