A World Cup sleeper awoke just in time to keep its dream alive. 

Facing elimination after failing to score in its first two matches, then surrendering a goal two minutes into Thursday’s match against Germany, Ecuador pulled off a stunning comeback to upset the European power and advance to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years, following a 2-1 win at a sold-out MetLife Stadium that marked one of the most significant victories in the nation’s history. 

“We live it in a different way because we suffered too much in the first two matches,” said Gonzalo Plata, who scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, sending Ecuador past the group stage for the second time ever. “I think it’s better this way. Now we’re going to arrive with that hunger to give everything, no matter what happens at the start. 

“This team believes a lot, has a lot of faith. We have 26 players who are going to give their lives for all the people who are here and made us feel at home. The dream is alive.” 

Ecuador (1-1-1) arrived at the World Cup as a trendy dark horse, riding a 19-game unbeaten streak that dated back to September 2024, featuring wins over Argentina and Colombia, as well as draws with Brazil, the Netherlands, the United States, Mexico and Uruguay. 

But Ecuador opened the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, then was stunned by a scoreless draw against Curacao, becoming the first team in World Cup history to be held without a goal despite putting 15 shots on goal. 

The defensive-minded squad — which averaged less than one goal in 18 qualifying matches — appeared to be on its deathbed after allowing an early goal to Leroy Sané, falling behind the Group E winner, which entered the match leading all nations with nine goals and a plus-seven goal differential. 

But in being forced out of their shell, Ecuador was able to respond quickly, making the stadium shake when Nilson Angulo delivered an equalizer from outside the box in the ninth minute past a diving Manuel Neuer, who was making his World Cup record 22nd appearance in net. 

The Ecuadorians controlled much of the action afterward, but they remained on track for a tournament-ending draw until Plata became a national hero by volleying home the winner. 

Despite the loss, Germany (2-1-0) will return to the knockout stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2014, playing Monday in Boston in the round of 32. 

“They showed more intensity, more belief and took their chances when it mattered,” German manager Julian Nagelsmann said. “Sometimes you have to give credit to the better team, and today, that was Ecuador. If this victory becomes a historic moment for them, then congratulations. They earned it.” 

When stoppage time ended, bedlam began. 

Ecuador’s players and staff stormed the field, hugging and dancing for more than 10 minutes. They fell to their knees in disbelief, their faces hitting the ground, having nothing left to give. Their tens of thousands of fans — countless from New York, representing Ecuador’s largest population in the U.S. — put their celebratory songs and chants on repeat, stretching for more than a half-hour. 

As shirts and drinks flew into the air, Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece ran toward the crowd and climbed into the seats, hugging his wife like he would never let go. 

“The emotions took over. I didn’t plan that celebration. I simply followed my heart,” Beccacece said. “This victory wasn’t just for the players or the coaching staff. It was for every Ecuadorian who believed in us. Beating Germany on the biggest stage in football is something our country will remember forever.”