Ecuador was on the brink of missing out on the knockout stage.
But not only did it advance, it won in thrilling fashion — and the Ecuadorians’ coach couldn’t have been happier.
After a shocking loss to Ivory Coast and an even more surprising draw to Curaçao, it seemed that its chances of moving on were slim.
Ecuador had to beat the best team in its group, Germany, on Thursday. The game started out fast with each team scoring a goal before 10 minutes had passed. But then, in the 77th minute, Gonzalo Plata sent the nation into hysterics as his goal confirmed Ecuador’s spot in the Round of 32.
Coach Sebastián Beccacece was so happy with the lead that he jumped into the stands at MetLife Stadium to celebrate with his family.
Security had to force the coach away from the stands and back to the sideline to finish the match. When the final whistle blew, Beccacece celebrated with his entire coaching staff. With the win, Ecuador has made the knockout stage for the first time since 2006.
“We came to life to feel,” Beccacece said through an interpreter after the win. “Sometimes we feel the pain of defeat, but sometimes also the satisfaction of a victory. What is important is to strike a balance. This will not change my life. It will not. But we must indulge ourselves in this joy.”
Ecuador will face either Mexico or the winner of Group L in its Round of 32 game. Either matchup will be tough for Beccacece and Ecuador, but he said there are some things more important than the result of a soccer game.
“It’s all about understanding that life brings about these moments that you can share with your family, with your man, with your mom, with your sister, with your friends,” Beccacece said. “My dad is missing. He’s watching us from above. But, anyway, I think we need to celebrate these moments.
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“I’m thinking of the Ecuadorian people, 19 million people celebrating, hugging each other, having a beer and celebrating this historical victory.”
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