Ecuador crashed against the posts and fell in the 90th minute in their debut

Ecuador kicked off the in the worst possible way: at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with a goal from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute that left La Tri devastated when a scoreless draw seemed inevitable.

It was a heartbreaking blow for a team that had dominated much of the match without being able to capitalize, hitting the posts three times.

The statistics tell a harsh story for Ecuador. La Tri had 55% possession compared to 45% for the Ivorians, matched in total shots—six apiece—and committed only three fouls compared to eight by their rivals. However, none of their shots found the back of the net.

Ivory Coast, on the other hand, was lethal with its only clear opportunity. Wilfried Singo set up Diallo in the box, and the forward did not miss in the added time, sealing a match that the Ivorians had played with more heart than skill.

The first half was characterized by the toughness of Ivory Coast: Seko Fofana received a yellow card in the 28th minute, Franck Kessié in the 38th, and Guéla Doué in the 40th, three cautions in twelve minutes that reflected the tension of the game. Ecuador, during that period, was more organized: their only card was shown to Jackson Porozo in the 73rd minute.

In the second half, the Ecuadorian coach made substitutions in search of a goal. Alan Minda came on in the 56th minute, and Alan Franco and John Yeboah joined in the 62nd minute. The changes were not enough to break the Ivorian defense, which held on until Diallo appeared in stoppage time.

With this defeat, with zero points and a goal difference of -1. Ivory Coast rises to three points, but leading over both is Germany, which on the same Sunday demolished Curacao 7-1 in the other match of the opening day, boasting a goal difference of +6.

This is Ecuador's fifth World Cup — following their participations in 2002, 2006, 2014, and 2022 — and the situation is already precarious. Their only advancement to the Round of 16 was in Germany 2006; in the other three tournaments, they were eliminated in the group stage. To avoid repeating that fate, La Tri needs to win their remaining two matches.

The is on June 20 against Curaçao at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, a must-win clash. They will conclude the group stage on June 25 facing Germany at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, which could be a potential playoff preview for qualification.