EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Germany’s defenders walked back to the touchline with their heads bowed, as MetLife Stadium physically shook with roars from the pro-Ecuador crowd.
Gonzalo Plata had just poked home the go-ahead goal in the 77th minute for an Ecuador side desperate for three points to keep its tournament hopes alive. Beverages rained down from the upper deck, screams tore through the air and flags took flight as pure euphoria swept through the sea of yellow shirts packing the stands.