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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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — 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...
Key takeaway 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 [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
In the Rio Grande Valley, where soccer is a beloved sport, Ecuador's thrilling victory over Germany will likely resonate with local fans who appreciate an underdog story. The McAllen -Edinburg-Mission metro area is home to a diverse population with strong ties to Latin American countries, including Ecuador. As a result, many residents will be cheering on Ecuador as they advance to the knockout rounds. This win may also spark interest and excitement among local youth soccer players, who can draw inspiration from Ecuador's determination and skill on the field. With the World Cup capturing the attention of Valley residents, local soccer leagues and clubs may see an increase in participation and enthusiasm, potentially leading to a growth in the sport's popularity in the area. Ecuador's success will undoubtedly be celebrated by many in the Valley, and their journey in the World Cup will be closely watched.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen 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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — 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...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by RONALD BLUM, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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