Last minute victory
Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0. The Manchester United winger, who came on as a substitute in the 56th minute, broke the tie with a left-footed shot from the area that beat goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.
Wilfried Singo set up the play on the right wing. The Ivorians emerged victorious in their first World Cup match in 12 years.
“More than anything it was not being able to convert the situations we had, not being fortunate enough for the ball to go in because we had two balls hit the crossbars,” said Enner Valencia, a 36-year-old forward who is playing in his third World Cup.
Ivory Coast is participating in the World Cup for the fourth time – first since 2014 – and took an important step towards the knockout phase, where it would advance for the first time in its history. Elye Wahi hit the ball against the crossbar in the 52nd minute, after Ecuadorians John Yeboah and Nilson Angulo who did the same in the first half.
Ecuador, which seeks to reach the knockout phase for the second time, played practically at home at Lincoln Financial Field. The majority of the 68,274 spectators wore the yellow La Tri t-shirts.
“The pain is normal, it is normal to feel that helplessness but we have to accept it, I cannot reproach the dedication of the footballers or the support of the public,” said Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece. “You have to accept that discomfort… If you don’t specify, you always leave open the possibility that your rival will.”
Ecuador had accumulated 19 undefeated games and was only surpassed by Argentina in the South American qualifying round. Their best opportunity after the break came in the 68th minute with a shot by Gonzalo Plata that goalkeeper Yahia Fofana cleared.
Ivory Coast, which did not concede a goal in its 10 qualifying matches (8 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses), will face Germany. Ecuador will face Curacao on June 20.
“I think that in these tournaments you have to be very intelligent,” Valencia added. “Today, unfortunately, in one of the last balls we couldn’t hold on to the game. We are leaving with a defeat but we have to encourage our teammates, because this is just beginning and we know that this is a long one.”
