The Ecuadorian football team has sent shockwaves around the globe with an electrifying 2-1 World Cup victory over Germany that has left fans in awe. President Daniel Noboa was beaming with pride as he declared Friday a national holiday across the South American nation, basking in the glory of his team's stunning upset.
The match at the sold-out New York/New Jersey stadium was an absolute rollercoaster ride, with Ecuador fighting back from a disastrous start. Germany's Leroy Sane opened the scoring inside two minutes, but it seemed like they'd been handed a free pass – there were suggestions of a foul in the build-up that went unpunished.
However, the Ecuadorians refused to be rattled, and in the ninth minute, Nilson Angulo levelled the score with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area. Then came the clincher: Gonzalo Plata's clinical finish in the 77th minute that left German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer grasping at air.
President Noboa took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his unbridled joy and praise the team's grit and determination. "Thanks to the players and coach who, despite the criticism, insults, and tough moments they went through, managed to recover and give this immense joy to the entire country," he wrote. Tomorrow? Holiday mode activated!
This thrilling triumph comes after a mixed start to their Group E campaign, which included a defeat by Ivory Coast and a draw with Curacao. But despite that setback, Germany had already sealed their qualification as group winners – leaving Ecuador to advance as one of the top eight third-placed teams, making it only their second appearance in the World Cup knockout stages.
The possibility of a rematch between Ecuador and England looms large, but first, we've got our eyes on the scheduled showdown between England and Panama. A win for Gareth Southgate's men should seal their group top spot – they're currently sitting pretty after that 4-2 mauling of Croatia and goalless draw with Ghana.