Ecuador powered into the World Cup last 32 with a deserved 2-1 win over already-qualified Germany on Thursday, as Ivory Coast secured the second automatic qualification berth in Group E.
The Ivorians reached the knock-out rounds at a men's World Cup for the first time in four attempts after a double from Nicolas Pépé in a 2-0 victory over debutants Curaçao, who bow out in last place.
Gonzalo Plata grabbed the winner for Ecuador on 77 minutes to guarantee that they would be one of the eight best third-placed teams. Germany, who had assured top spot after matchday two, looked rattled at times in the group finale.
The third-placed rankings will be confirmed at the end of the stage but Ecuador's four points and a goal difference of zero is enough.
Leroy Sané received negative press after mixed showings so far in North America but he confidently netted Germany's opener in the second minute.
US referee Tori Penso, in her second game at this World Cup, decided to allow Aleksandar Pavlović's high foot in the build-up.
Ecuador soon hit back in style when Nilson Angulo let fly through the legs of Pavlović from just outside the area.
Plata later sent the Ecuadorean fans wild in New Jersey.
Germany will play a third-placed team from Group A, B, C, D or F in Foxborough on Monday in the last 32.
Ivory Coast face the second-placed team from Group I a day later near Dallas after the Elephants deservedly beat the Caribbean country of Curaçao, the smallest nation ever at a men's World Cup, in Philadelphia.
