EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June ⁠25 (Reuters) - Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed ⁠campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

Ecuador were behind ‌early on but Gonzalo Plata extended his toe to poke in the winner in the 77th minute to complete the turnaround against the four-time champions. The South Americans finished on four points and are guaranteed a place in the knockout stage as one of ​the best third-place finishers.