Quito: Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared a national holiday after the country’s football team pulled off a historic 2-1 comeback victory against powerhouse Germany to seal a spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 20 years.

The dramatic win on Friday, June 26, sparked wild celebrations across the South American nation, prompting the president to immediately announce the snap holiday to honour the squad's resilience.

"Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults and the tough times they went through, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador," President Noboa posted on his social media channels shortly after the final whistle.


Ecuador stuns Germany: As it happened

The historic milestone arrived under immense pressure. Ecuador entered their final Group E fixture having failed to score a single goal in their opening two matches, facing the very real prospect of a humiliating group-stage exit. Germany, by contrast, had already comfortably secured qualification and the top spot in the group before kickoff.

The match began in disastrous fashion for Ecuador. Just two minutes in, Germany's Leroy Sane struck first, converting a chance that immediately triggered fierce controversy. The goalscoring move started when Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to catch Ecuador midfielder Pedro Vite with a dangerous high boot before feeding Florian Wirtz. Despite furious protests from the Ecuadorian players, referee Tori Penso allowed the goal to stand, and VAR declined to intervene.

Faced with a devastating start, Ecuador showed incredible resolve. In the ninth minute, Vite forced a high-press turnover to set up Nilson Angulo outside the box. Angulo unleashed a curled effort that slipped through Pavlovic's legs and beat veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It was Ecuador's first goal of the tournament, coming on their 40th total shot.

 

The decisive substitute

While Germany dominated possession, the equaliser gave Ecuador the confidence to exploit transition spaces. The match took another dramatic turn early in the second half when Germany was initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Kai Havertz. However, a VAR review overturned the decision after replays showed Sane had committed a foul earlier in the build-up.

With time running out and needing a win to qualify, Ecuador made a tactical gamble, introducing Kevin Rodriguez off the bench in the 64th minute. The move paid off handsomely in the 77th minute when Rodriguez flicked on a corner inside a chaotic penalty box. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest, stretching to toe-poke the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1, sending the Ecuador bench into a frenzy.

Ecuador weathered a relentless German onslaught during the final 10 minutes, defending their box with discipline and desperation. The final whistle triggered emotional scenes on the pitch and in the stands, confirming Ecuador's return to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in two decades.