Ecuador Stuns Germany with Late Winner
Ecuador secured a place in the last 32 of the World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The result saw Ecuador finish third in Group E but advance as one of the best third-placed teams with four points.
Germany took an early lead through a controversial Leroy Sane goal after just two minutes. Ecuador equalized through Nilson Angulo before Gonzalo Plata scored the winner from close range in the 77th minute, sparking celebrations among the South American side.
Ivory Coast Cruises Past Curacao
In Philadelphia, Ivory Coast sealed the runners-up spot in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Curacao. Nicolas Pepe scored twice to ensure the west African nation reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Curacao, the smallest country by population ever to participate in a World Cup, finished bottom of the group with just one point, ending their fairytale campaign.
USA Looks to Secure Top Spot
The United States, already assured of top spot in Group D, face already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rest several players, including Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun, who risk suspension if they receive another yellow card. The US have not reached the World Cup quarter-finals since 2002, but a strong start has raised hopes for a deep run on home soil.
Australia and Paraguay Battle for Second
Australia and Paraguay face off in Santa Clara for second place in Group D. A draw would favor Australia due to their superior goal difference, but Paraguay could also advance with a draw depending on other results.
Group F Wide Open
Group F remains highly competitive, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden all vying for top spot. The Netherlands face Tunisia, who have lost both previous matches by four-goal margins and sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden. Herve Renard took over but could not prevent a 4-0 defeat to Japan that eliminated Tunisia.
Japan, level on four points with the Netherlands, face Sweden in Arlington. Sweden began the tournament strongly but suffered a 5-1 defeat to the Dutch in their second match.
Brazil Clinches Group C
Brazil secured first place in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami. Neymar made his first international appearance since October 2023. Scotland now await nervously to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mexico and South Africa Progress
Co-hosts Mexico completed a perfect Group A record with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca. The biggest surprise came as South Africa qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history, defeating South Korea 1-0 to grab second place. The victory sparked late-night celebrations in South Africa, with fans singing and blowing vuvuzelas from 5:00 am. Soweto resident Nandi Ntini told AFP, "There were fireworks outside and the celebration went on for more than an hour after the game."
