QtrendsWorld Cup group stage concludes with major upsets: Ecuador stuns Germany 2-1 to advance, sending the four-time champions out of the tournament. Sweden and Japan draw to both qualify for the knockout rounds. Ivory Coast reaches the World Cup knockouts for the first time after Pepe's brace against Curacao. The US keeps Pulisic on the bench while fielding a rotated squad against Turkey in the group finale.
Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw that sent both teams into the World Cup knockout rounds. Anthony Elanga scored for Sweden to secure their spot in the last 32. Japan finished second in Group F and will now face Brazil in the next round. The Netherlands topped the group after beating Tunisia and will take on Morocco.
Ecuador pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, sending the four-time world champions crashing out of the tournament. The result marks one of the biggest upsets of the group stage. Ecuador now positions itself as a potential dark horse in the knockout rounds.
Ivory Coast secured a historic 2-0 victory over Curacao to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation's history. Veteran striker Pepe scored a brace to lead the Elephants to the last 32. Curacao's debut World Cup campaign comes to an end. Ivory Coast will look to continue their historic run in the knockout stage.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece went from the brink of dismissal to making World Cup history after his team's stunning win over Germany. The manager climbed into the stands to celebrate with his family following the 2-1 victory. Analysts are now calling Ecuador the tournament's dark horse while questioning Germany's structural problems. Beccacece's tactical approach proved decisive against the four-time champions.
Christian Pulisic is expected to be available but starts on the bench as the US faces Turkey in their final World Cup group stage match. The US has rotated heavily, making nine changes from the previous lineup. Pulisic shared an encouraging update on his injury status earlier this week. The co-hosts need a result against Turkey to secure their place in the knockout rounds.