New Jersey — Thirty-nine shots. Zero goals. That was Ecuador’s World Cup before the 40th.
When Leroy Sane fired Germany ahead after two minutes, the script felt painfully familiar. Ecuador were heading out, and they were heading out without ever finding the net.
Then Nilson Angulo took the 40th shot.
The Goal That Broke the Curse
Pedro Vite intercepted a German pass in midfield. The ball rolled to Angulo. The left wing-back took one touch forward, another to set himself, and then — from the edge of the box — he let fly. The strike was clean, powerful, and perfectly placed into the bottom right corner. Manuel Neuer, the 40-year-old legend, reacted late. The ball was past him before he moved.
Ecuador had scored. The yellow shirts in the stands — thousands of Ecuadorians who had travelled to New Jersey — erupted in a release of joy and relief that had been building for 189 minutes of tournament football.
The VAR Drama
Germany thought they had won a penalty early in the second half. Kai Havertz went down under Joel Ordonez’s challenge. Referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. But the VAR check revealed a foul by Sane on Vite in the build-up. The decision was reversed.
It was the moment the match turned. Had Germany scored, Ecuador’s fragile belief might have shattered. Instead, they were still alive.
Plata’s Winner
The 78th minute. A corner from the right. Kevin Rodriguez, on as a substitute, flicked the ball on at the near post. Gonzalo Plata, quicker than Neuer, stabbed it home. 2-1.
Coach Sebastian Beccacece ran into the stands. He didn’t celebrate on the touchline — he went into the crowd, into the yellow sea, and hugged a fan. It was the image of the night.
What This Means
Ecuador advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany top the group despite the loss. Ivory Coast take second after beating Curacao.
For Ecuador, this was more than a win. It was proof that persistence matters. That the 40th shot can change everything. That sometimes, you just have to keep shooting.
Goals: Sane 2′; Angulo 9′, Plata 78′
Group E: Germany 6pts (+6), Ivory Coast 6pts (+2), Ecuador 4pts (+1), Curacao 1pt (-9)
