Ecuador shocked already-qualified Germany with a commanding performance to put themselves into the knock-out stages of the competition as one of the top 8 third placed finishers. Their results mean that they can finish no lower than 8th, so are guaranteed to progress. 

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast qualified for the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time with a 2-0 win over Curaçao, the goals both coming from new national hero Nicolas Pépé.

On the painful end of the spectrum, Curaçao exited the World Cup after that defeat. 

***

Ecuador 2 - 1 Germany

Ecuador stunned already-qualified Germany with a phenomenal performance to come from behind to qualify for the next round and set up a potential high-stakes match against England. 

Germany took the lead early in the game, with a 2nd minute clinical finish from Leroy Sane after a neat pass from Florian Wirtz played him in to fire past Hernan Galindez in the Ecuador goal.

The goal was contentious, with VAR choosing to not intervene despite a clear high boot in the face of Pedro Vite. Decide for yourself.

The goal perhaps gave Ecuador the motivation they needed to attack the game, and once they did they looked clearly better than a disappointing Germany in every area. Cheered on by a very loud partisan crowd, they were level just a few minutes later after Nilson Angulo smashed one past Manuel Neuer. 

Ecuador continued to swarm Germany, beating them across the park, before a flick on at a corner led to Gonzala Plata flicking a boot head of Manuel Neuer to score the winning goal. 

Cue delirium in the stands, and disappointed looks etched on the faces of the German players. A reality check, perhaps, but take nothing away from Ecuador who, on this evidence, would present stern opposition for England should that be the match up in the Round of 32. 

***

Curaçao 0 - 2 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast booked their place in the last 32 with a professional win over Curaçao, who they have now eliminated from the competition. A point would have done for Ivory Coast, but the performance they put in was more than deserving of a win by two goals. 

The Ivorians got off to an excellent start through Nicolas Pépé’s 7th minute goal. Under a high press from Diomande, Curaçao surrendered possession and the ball was squared to Pépé to tap home.

Eloy Room, one of the most memorable goalkeepers at the tournament for his excellent performances, found himself beaten again in the 65th minute as Ivory Coast confirmed the heartbreak of Curaçao’s exit with a top-corner finish. 

Cue celebrations as Ivory Coast qualified for the knock-out rounds for the first time ever, 20 years after they qualified for their first World Cup in 2006. The 2023 AFCON winners will now hope they can make an impression on the global stage and surprise a few naysayers along the way.

***

Final table: