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Ecuador advances to World Cup knockout rounds, beats Germany 2-1 on Plata's 77th-minute goal
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
A little flick of Gonzalo Plata’s big toe helped Ecuador make a great escape.Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute and lifted Ecuador to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday and into the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.“Life is diff...
Key takeaway We suffered a lot," said Plata, a 25-year-old winger who scored his ninth international goal.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's vibrant soccer community is likely abuzz with Ecuador's thrilling comeback win over Germany, a testament to the city's diverse fan base. With a significant Latin American population, San Antonio often shows strong support for international soccer teams, and Ecuador's advancement to the knockout stage will likely resonate with local fans. The Alamo City's own soccer enthusiasts may be drawing inspiration from Ecuador's determination and skill on the field, and some may even be making plans to catch upcoming World Cup matches at local watch parties or gatherings. As the tournament progresses, San Antonio's bars, restaurants, and community centers may see an influx of fans cheering on their favorite teams, adding to the city's lively atmosphere and showcasing its passion for the beautiful game.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A little flick of Gonzalo Plata’s big toe helped Ecuador make a great escape.Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute and lifted Ecuador to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday and into the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.“Life is diff...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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