Ecuador stun the Germans
Who saw that coming?
Before the tournament, sure, I could have seen that result happening. But after how Ecuador started this World Cup, I certainly didn’t.
The dark horses finally came to life in New Jersey, producing a special comeback against Germany to secure a spot in the knockout stages for only the second time in the nation’s history.
I’ve never seen celebrations quite like it.
Anyway, I need to make a move, but thank you for joining us for what has been an eventful day already.
See you soon.
Germany’s winning run ended
History did not beckon for Germany in the end.
They were on the cusp of matching their longest winning run of 12 games, after winning the 11 competitive clashes prior to today’s game.
But then they met Ecuador, a side that everyone believed had underwhelmed at this tournament, and they still lost.
In the grand scheme of things, the result doesn’t really matter, but it is a shame for them that they couldn’t equal the win record.
I’m sure they won’t lose sleep over it, mind.
Bad news for the Scots
Scotland’s hopes of making the last 32 are in the brink.
Results just simply aren’t going their way, and Ecuador winning today has pulled them further down that ‘best third-placed team’ table.
They now sit in eighth, the final qualifying spot, with a whole host of teams still yet to play.
They need a lot of luck to make it now.
Pure, unbridled joy
I’m going to let these pictures tell the story, for once.
WATCH: Plata wins it for Ecuador
You have to watch this winning goal… HAVE to.
If not for the goal itself, but for the celebration from both the players, the fans, and even the manager.
I’ve never quite seen such passionate scenes for a goal in a final group game, honestly.
This is what you would expect for a last-minute winner in the final.
‘Ecuador wanted it most’
Lucas Leiva, former Brazil midfielder, on BBC One:
Ecuador were the team that wanted it most, especially in the second half. They defended really well, they had a few chances in the second half and it is a well-deserved win.
There is a reason those players are going as crazy as they are.
By beating Germany, Ecuador have booked their spot in the knockout stages, despite finishing third in the group.
By getting on to four points, they have made sure that they have secured a spot in the top eight third-placed teams.
Not enough teams can catch them to displace them now, including Scotland. The Tartan Army’s hope are on the brink now.
The Ecuador fans aren’t leaving their seats any time soon, the celebrations are still going on at MetLife Stadium.
They will continue long into the night.
Incredible scenes
Wow, wow, wow.
That is a reaction like nothing I have ever seen in the group stage of the World Cup. Such emotion, such pandemonium, such pure joy.
As soon as that whistle went, the fans let out a roar loud enough to shake the stadium off its hinges, while the players dropped to their knees in celebration.
You can see how much it means to everyone, including Sebastián Beccacece, who is now on a mad one celerabting with his staff.
After two minutes of that game, he must have thought he was going to get the sack.
But no, he has managed the unthinkable.
FULL-TIME: Ecuador 2-1 GermanyWhat. A. Comeback.
Ecuador have done it, they have actually done it.
The South American side have produced a memorable turnaround to qualify for the last 32 via third place.
There is a monster roar at the whistle, incredible scenes. That result means everything for the country.
You can’t not feel happy for them.
Ecuador 2-1 Germany
That should be that.
Pascal Gross sends the ball toward Mars and now the Ecuadorians can relax a little.
This game is nearly over.
CHANCE! Ecuador 2-1 Germany
That was THE moment.
The stadium goes silent as the net ripples after Deniz Undav lets fly… but then the fans realise it’s the side-netting.
Undav does well to get a shot away, but it’s from such a tight angle and he can’t get it on the right side of the post.Ecuador 2-1 Germany
It’s all hands to the pump now.
Ecuador have everybody back and the Germans are trying to give it all they have got.
But do they look like scoring? Not to me.
