With a goal at the end, Ivory Coast beats Ecuador and breaks the taboo in the World Cup

The crossbar tried well to hold the goal back, but did not prevent Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador, this Sunday (14), in group E of the World Cup. See the best moments:

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Manchester United's revelation Amad Diallo's goal in the 44th minute of the second half ended up silencing the vast majority of Ecuadorian fans who made a lot of noise at Lincoln Financial Field - the Philadelphia stadium had a total audience of more than 68 thousand people.

In addition to leaving Ivory Coast in a great situation, the victory also broke a curious taboo: the Ivorian team had always faced South Americans in the group stages of World Cups, but had never won.

It was also Ecuador's first defeat in almost two years: the last had been against Brazil, in September 2024, when coach Sebastian Beccacece was making his debut for the Ecuadorian national team.

Crossroad prevents Ecuador from opening the scoring
With the support of the large and noisy Ecuadorian majority in the stadium, those led by Sebastian Beccacece tried and managed to put strong initial pressure on the match, but had problems with their aim - by just a few centimetres.

In the 10th minute, Hincapié reached the bottom and found a beautiful low cross for Enner Valencia. The ex-International striker took advantage of Agbadou's slip and shot with his left foot, but the ball went over the goal.

At 23, Yeboah disarmed Agbadou and took a risk with his left foot, from outside the area, but the shot hit the Ivory Coast crossbar.

Atlético-MG player is "almost"
Six minutes later, the crossbar got in the way of Ecuador again. Minda, an Atlético-MG player, received a pass from Vite and hit the goalkeeper, but didn't hit the target.

In stoppage time, Ivory Coast, which was already growing in the game, had a good and acrobatic chance: Singo risked a bicycle kick after Doué's cross, but the ball went over the goal.

The first stage ended with 14 shots, seven for each side, but with Ecuador closer to opening the scoring.

On the way back from the break, the crossbar again...
On the way back to the final stage, the exchange continued - and so did the fate of the crossbar. Now, it was Ivory Coast's turn to be "almost", with Wahi anticipating the Ecuadorian defense after Diomandé's cross and finishing first time.

Before the hydration break, Flamengo player Gonzalo Plata had a good chance, filling his foot from outside the area, but goalkeeper Fofana was well positioned to diffuse the danger.

The technical time, however, ended up cooling the teams, who did not create any more scoring opportunities, until Diallo secured the three points for Ivory Coast almost in stoppage time.

Diallo decides and leaves Ivory Coast in a good situation
Strong and fast, full-back Singo made a great run from the defense field on the right side and crossed at the edge of the area for Diallo, who started the game on the bench. The striker hit with his left foot, with no chance for goalkeeper Galíndez.

Now, Germany leads the group on goal difference, after beating Curaçao 7-1, also this Sunday. Ivory Coast appears in second place, also with three points, while Ecuador and Curaçao did not score.

Both second round games will be next Saturday (20). Ivory Coast will have the challenge of trying to stop Germany in Toronto, while Ecuador will go to Kansas City to try to recover and make a difference against Curaçao.

See the group E table:

Standings provided by Sofascore

The Brasileirão players called up for the World Cup

Source: CNN