Ecuador squeezed into the last 32 of the World Cup with an upset win over Germany on Thursday while the Netherlands, Japan and the Ivory Coast advanced safely as the draw for the knockout rounds began to take shape, reports AFP.
The Netherlands wrapped up their first round campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia to top Group F, just ahead of Japan, who drew 1-1 with Sweden to finish in second place.
Sweden also advanced as one of the best third place finishers.
The Dutch will now face 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in the last 32, while Japan will take on Group C winners Brazil for a place in the last 16.
A nailbiting Group E game between Ecuador and group winners Germany at the MetLife Stadium was settled 13 minutes from time, when Gonzalo Plata jabbed home from close range to set up a 2-1 win.
Plata's winner came after Ecuador had recovered when Germany took the lead from a controversial Leroy Sane goal after two minutes before equalising through Nilson Angulo.
The result means Ecuador finished Group E with four points, guaranteeing them a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
"The significance of this is not for me, it is for the people," Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said after the win.
"The players gave a huge happiness to the people. We have to enjoy it and celebrate, please," the Argentine coach added.
Germany had already been assured of winning the group after wins over Ivory Coast and Curacao.
But coach Julian Nagelsmann was left dismayed at what he described as "tactical suicide" against Ecuador.
"We got off to a great start," Nagelsmann said. "Unfortunately, right after scoring, we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning. That makes things difficult.
"Ecuador had everything to play for, and you could tell -- they had their foot on the gas."
Ivory Coast meanwhile sealed the runners-up spot in Group E after eliminating Curacao in Philadelphia, Nicolas Pepe scoring twice in a 2-0 victory. It is the first time that the west African nation have reached the knockout stage.
"My message to fans would be to enjoy this historic qualification, celebrate it," Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae said.
"Once we are done celebrating, please continue sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament."
Curacao, the smallest country by population ever to play in the World Cup, depart the tournament with one point to finish bottom of the group.
Another packed slate of six games across the tournament on Thursday will conclude in Group D, where the United States face Turkey and Australia take on Paraguay.
The United States have already clinched top spot and will be looking to end their first round campaign with a victory over the already-eliminated Turks in Los Angeles as they prepare for their last 32 meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Australia and Paraguay square off in a battle for second place in Santa Clara. A draw would favour the Socceroos thanks to their better goal difference but would likely be enough to send Paraguay through too.
- Dutch stay perfect -
The Netherlands meanwhile will head into next week's duel with Morocco in Monterrey brimming with confidence after another impressive attacking display in Group F with a 3-1 defeat of Tunisia in Kansas City.
An Ellyes Skhiri own goal was followed by goals from Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke as Ronald Koeman's men marched on against the woeful North Africans who depart without a point.
Japan's hopes of pipping the Netherlands to top spot -- and avoiding Brazil in the next round -- were frustrated in a battling 1-1 draw with Sweden.
A game in front of 70,000 fans in Texas sprang into life in the second half when Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead with a brilliantly worked team goal soon after the break.
Sweden, who had been thumped 5-1 by the Netherlands in their second game, responded with a long-range Anthony Elanga effort minutes later to secure third place.
"The boys were fantastic," said Sweden's English coach Graham Potter. "Over the course of the game it was a pretty fair result and arguably we were slightly the better team in the second half."
MSH
