On the night of this Thursday, June 25, one of the most exciting group finales in a long time was experienced, and of course one of the most interesting of this 2026 World Cup. At 22:00 (Spanish time), the fate of Group E was decided, with matches between Germany and Ecuador, and Ivory Coast against Curaçao.
The matches were played simultaneously, and from the beginning it was clear that there was a lot at stake. In the Germany vs. Ecuador match, the Europeans were already qualified as first before the match began, so the result was not going to alter their position. However, instead of coming out with a somewhat more substitute team, the Germans came out with everything to try to achieve a full sweep of victories in the World Cup. And on the other side, Ecuador was playing for everything; only a victory against one of the best teams in the World Cup would allow them to advance to the next round.
The match was turned upside down from the start thanks to a German goal in the 2nd minute. It was a very controversial goal as the Ecuadorians claimed a possible clear foul prior to the German goal. At that moment it seemed that the South American team would go home without being able to win any match, but on the contrary, after the goal, Ecuador stepped up a gear and soon got the equalizer in the 9th minute. The match continued with great intensity, and with more Ecuadorian dominance, who were deserving of the second goal. And so it was when in the 77th minute Gonzalo Plata scored one of the most important goals in the history of his national team. The match ended 2-1 for Ecuador, completing a historic feat for the country, which celebrated it in style.
In the other group match, we also had a good game, with the final qualification of Ivory Coast. There was great happiness in the African team, however, the football world shed a small tear, seeing how the players of Curaçao said goodbye to a historic World Cup for them. The small Caribbean island lost 2-0 and left the competition, with the respect of the whole world for their great role.
Good football in the early morning
At 01:00 in the morning (Spanish time), we also had football. The conclusion of Group F was played, with the Netherlands having no problems overcoming an eliminated Tunisia, thus certifying their group leadership. On the other side, there was a more even match between Japan and Sweden, which concluded in a 1-1 draw, qualifying both teams, Japan as second and Sweden as one of the best third-place teams. And for the bravest, the tournament schedule set the two matches of Group D at 04:00 in the morning. These matches were somewhat more decaffeinated than the previous ones, as one pitted USA, who was already first and had nothing to play for, against Turkey, who was already eliminated and also had nothing to play for, at least ending in a match with goals, 3-2 for Turkey. And in the other clash, Paraguay and Australia played. Both teams needed only one more point to qualify. And so it was, the match ended 0-0 with both teams qualified for the round of sixteen.
