Plata, Pepe dream bigger after Ecuador, Ivory Coast clinch historic knockout berths

Ecuador hero Gonzalo Plata said his side's dramatic route to the World Cup knockout rounds made the achievement even more special, while Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe insisted the Elephants are "setting no limits" after reaching the last 32 for the first time in their history.

Plata scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute as Ecuador fought back from an early deficit to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey on Thursday, securing a place in the knockout rounds as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

The victory completed an impressive turnaround for Ecuador, who had managed just one point from their opening two Group E matches, including a frustrating goalless draw against tournament outsiders Curacao that left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread heading into the final group game.

For Plata, the difficult journey only added to the significance of the achievement.

"It's very beautiful. Before the World Cup began we hoped we could do it, and it happened in a different way because we suffered a lot," said Plata, who plays for Brazilian club Flamengo.

"We suffered too much in the first two games. Everyone wanted qualification to the next round, and maybe it could have been sooner, but it is better this way. We arrived with hunger and we had to show everything."

Ecuador's task became even more difficult almost immediately after kickoff against Germany. Leroy Sane gave the Germans a controversial second-minute lead despite Ecuador's protests over an apparent foul on Pedro Vite in the build-up.

However, Sebastian Beccacece's side responded positively, with Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo quickly restoring parity before Plata completed the comeback by turning home a corner in the 77th minute to send Ecuador into the last 32.

The result marked only the second time Ecuador have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, having previously reached the last 16 at the 2006 tournament before narrowly losing 1-0 to England.

Plata said the team's mentality never wavered despite the early setback against Germany and the disappointment of the opening two matches.

"It did not matter what happened at the start. From the first minute if we could not score a goal, we had to suffer until the final minute, and then we had to suffer until the end of the last game," he said.

The 24-year-old also praised the unity within the squad and the backing they received from Ecuadorian supporters throughout the tournament.

"This team is incredible. We believe a lot. We had a lot of faith. We believe in the teammates we have here. We have 26 players that will give their lives."

"And the people that were here, how incredible, filling the stadium everywhere we have gone. They made us feel like the home team. This is much more than just us."

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece also enjoyed a moment of redemption after facing heavy criticism from supporters following his team's slow start to the tournament.

Rather than focusing on the criticism, the Argentine said his priority had always been to build belief within the squad.

"Sometimes we have to endure the pain of defeat and sometimes we get the satisfaction of victory. The important thing is that balance. This isn't going to change my life," Beccacece said.

"We always said that our vision, from the moment we arrived, was to empower a group of players so they wouldn't feel inferior to anyone or superior to anyone, so they'd feel they can compete with anyone."

Elsewhere in Group E, Ivory Coast also celebrated a landmark achievement after defeating Curacao 2-0 in Philadelphia to book their place in the knockout rounds for the first time in the country's World Cup history.

Pepe scored both goals — one in each half — to seal a victory that ensured the Elephants finished second in the group with six points, behind Germany only on the head-to-head record. Ivory Coast had opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany.

The qualification represents a historic breakthrough for a nation whose previous golden generation, featuring stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, never managed to advance beyond the group stage despite appearing at three consecutive World Cups between 2006 and 2014.

Pepe said the squad was proud to have written a new chapter in Ivorian football history.

"We are delighted and proud to be the first Ivory Coast team to reach the knockout rounds. Everyone has worked hard for this and we have got our reward," said the Villarreal forward.

Despite the historic achievement, Pepe believes his side should not place any limits on what they can accomplish in the remainder of the tournament.

"We are setting no limits. We have huge potential. Now we are into the knockout rounds so we will see what happens."

Ivory Coast will now travel to Dallas for a last-32 meeting next Tuesday against the runners-up from Group I, with either France or Norway awaiting them.

Head coach Emerse Fae welcomed the result, while acknowledging there was still room for improvement.

"We are really pleased. We will celebrate this and enjoy it a bit before starting to prepare for what's to come," Fae said.

"Not everything was perfect but we have qualified and the victory will be good for morale."

For both Ecuador and Ivory Coast, Thursday's victories represented far more than qualification alone. Ecuador overcame adversity to keep their World Cup dream alive, while Ivory Coast broke new ground by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, with Plata and Pepe both emphasizing that belief, resilience and collective spirit were at the heart of their historic achievements.