Watch Ecuador manager jump into stands to celebrate after late goal vs. Germany saves team's World Cup
Watch Ecuador manager jump into stands to celebrate after late goal vs. Germany saves team’s World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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For the second time in its history and first time in 20 years, Ecuador — yes, Ecuador — clinched a spot in the World Cup knockout stages. The Ecuadorians sunk Germany 2-1 on Thursday night, locking up the third seed in Group E with four points.
La Tri overcame a 1-0 German lead to accomplish the feat. Ecuador was the better side on the day, posting an expected goals figure of 1.51, substantially higher than Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
After being rewarded for its endeavor with a go-ahead goal, Ecuador’s manager, Sebastián Beccacece, raced into the crowd, relishing the soon-to-be game-winner with a pair of onlookers. The moment soon made the rounds on social media, showcasing the joy that can come in soccer’s grandest tournament.
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Watch Ecuador manager jump into stands to celebrate World Cup-saving goal
With Ecuador needing a goal to salvage its hopes of making the knockout stages for the first time since 2006, Beccacece brought out the big guns, replacing all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia with Union SG talent Kevin Rodriguez deep in the second half.
Ecuador’s manager was proven right in the game’s waning moments. Rodriguez connected with Moises Caicedo’s corner kick, steering it towards the goal. Gonzalo Plata was alive to the bouncing orb, flicking it over a crouching Manuel Neuer and into the roof of the net.
ECUADOR HAS LIFE 🇪🇨
WHAT A MOMENT TO TAKE THE LEAD OVER GERMANY LATE! pic.twitter.com/CCWCFa5xKW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
The MetLife Stadium concourses, doused in canary, erupted at the sight of the billowing netting.
SCENES in NY/NJ stadium after Plata gives Ecuador the 2-1 lead 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/OkPDXnYkap
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
Beccacace was similarly enchanted, climbing over the wall to celebrate, presumably with his loved ones.
Manager Sebastián Beccacece just jumped into the stands to celebrate Ecuador taking the lead 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/33jdvSDR25
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
The goal proved pivotal for La Tri, who fended off some late Germany half-chances to punch its ticket to the Round of 32. When the final whistle blew, Beccacece leapt once more — this time, into the arms of one of the members of his staff.
Look at what it means to Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece as his team secures a spot in the knockout stage 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/7JH5Z8qe2t
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
Who is Ecuador’s manager?
Ecuador’s manager is Sebastian Beccacece. A native of Argentina, Beccacece never player professionally. He became one of famed Argentine manager Jorge Sampaoli’s highest-profile pupils, serving on the veteran coach’s staff when he managed various sides, including Sport Boys (Peru), Coronel Bolognesi (Peru), O’Higgins (Chile) and the Argentina National Team (during 2018 World Cup).
He was appointed as manager of La Tri in 2024 after serving as head boss of La Liga side Elche during the 2023-24 season.
Known for his his tactical nous — and his woolly mane — Beccacece has quickly emerged as one of the stars of this year’s World Cup.
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Who were the women Sebastian Beccacece celebrated with?
It’s unclear quite who Beccacece embraced in the stands following Plata’s game-winner. It seems reasonable to assume their presence at the game was based primarily on their relationship to Beccacece, but we’ll have to wait to see if he confirms that he knew the women.
Is Ecuador through to knockout rounds?
Ecuador, indeed, earned a spot in the knockout rounds, finishing its Group E campaign with four points. La Tri entered the game as one of only three sides to fail to find the net. They looked doomed after Leroy Sané swept the ball in from inside the box moments after Germany avoided punishment for an apparent high boot in the box.
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However, the Ecuadorians would not be denied. Nilson Angulo opened the scoring with a fiery effort from outside the box.
Sixty-eight minutes later, Plata settled things, beaming as he wheeled off in celebration after his game-winning score. Ecuador is in the hat for the Round of 32. The celebrations should span from New York and New Jersey to Quito — and everywhere in between.
