Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared a national holiday after his team’s shock 2-1 win over Germany to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages.
The South Americans entered their final Group E match with it all to do after drawing with Curucao and losing 1-0 to the .
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa wasted no time granting his country a national holiday Credit: Reuters
The players of Ecuador celebrated with their fans after a truly shock result Credit: Getty
But, despite going a goal down in the opening four minutes, they managed to turn the game around against the four-time world champions to book their place in the last 32.
Goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata sealed the deal for .
It marks just the second time in the nation’s history that they have made it past the World Cup group stages, the other being back in 2006.
After the match, President Noboa thanked the manager and the players for overcoming the pressure and criticism and granted a national holiday today (Friday).
So any sore heads in Ecuador today from all the celebrating have the luxury of sleeping it off!
He tweeted: “Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults, and the tough times they went through, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country.
“Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador.”
Seems official enough, right?
Two victories had already booked ‘s place in the knockouts, but now Ecuador will certainly go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
That’s bad news for who, on a point less,
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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