On the day he became a permanent Arsenal player, Piero Hincapie had even more to celebrate as his Ecuador side defeated Germany to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
Coming up against teammate Kai Havertz, Piero’s side knew only a win would help them progress to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams.
Things started badly as the Germans went 1-0 up after just two minutes through Leroy Sane.
But Ecuador responded within seven minutes as Sunderland’s Nilson Angulo fired past Manuel Neuer to level the scores.
Both of our Gunners were substituted before the winning goal came in the 77th minute, as Gonzalo Plata beat Neuer to the ball and nudged it home to give Ecuador a 2-1 victory.
Having picked up a point v Curacao last time out, Ecuador’s tally of four points will see them progress as one of the best eight third-placed teams. They now await to see who they’ll face in the round of 32.
As for Havertz and Germany, they are projected to face Paraguay in the round of 32, but this is yet to be confirmed, with six groups still to complete their games.
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GYOKERES PROVIDES PRICELESS ASSIST
Over in Group F, Viktor Gyokeres provided a crucial assist in Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Japan, enough to qualify the Swedes as one of the best third-placed teams.
After winning 5-1 in the opening match against Tunisia and then losing 5-1 to the Netherlands, Sweden knew a point with second-placed Japan would likely be enough to see them go through.
After a tense first half, Japan opened the scoring through Daizen Maeda, but six minutes later, Sweden were level.
Viktor held off two challenges to find Anthony Elanga on the right, and the Newcastle forward cut inside before blasting his effort into the corner.
A draw ensured both sides progressed, with the Netherlands topping the group thanks to a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
Viktor, who has played every minute so far for Graham Potter’s side, must wait to see who they will face between Martin Odegaard’s Norway and William Saliba’s France in the round of 32.
Martin and Wilo will go head-to-head tonight, at 8pm UK time, at the Boston Stadium.
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Viktor Gyokeres: Sweden’s star man
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