The China Mail - Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador World Cup hero Plata

Plata bagged the winning goal in the 77th minute in New Jersey as Ecuador snatched a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed sides.

However, they did it the hard way after taking just one point from their opening two Group E games, including a frustrating 0-0 draw against rank outsiders Curacao.

"It's very beautiful. Before the World Cup began we hoped we could do it, and it happened in a different way (than expected) because we suffered a lot," said Plata, who plays for Brazilian club Flamengo.

"We suffered too much in the first two games. Everyone wanted qualification to the next round, and maybe it could have been sooner, but it is better this way. We arrived with hunger and we had to show everything."

Ecuador had to overcome a dreadful start as Germany took a controversial second-minute lead through Leroy Sane despite an apparent foul on Pedro Vite, but Sunderland's Nilson Angulo soon brought them level.

But Plata sealed a memorable comeback when he turned in a corner, sending Ecuador into the knockout rounds for only the second time. They reached the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup before losing 1-0 to England.

"It did not matter what happened at the start. From the first minute if we could not score a goal, we had to suffer until the final minute, and then we had to suffer until the end of the last game," said Plata.

"This team is incredible. We believe a lot. We had a lot of faith. we believe in the teamates we have here, we have 26 players that will give their lives.

"And the people that were here, how incredible, filling the stadium everywhere we have gone. They made us feel like the home team. This is much more than just us."

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece had faced heavy criticism from fans after a poor start to the tournament, but the Argentine responded by guiding the country to a first-ever win over Germany.

"Sometimes we have to endure the pain of defeat and sometimes we get the satisfaction of victory. The important thing is that balance. This isn't going to change my life," he said.

"We always said that our vision, from the moment we arrived, was to empower a group of players so they wouldn't feel inferior to anyone or superior to anyone, so they'd feel they can compete with anyone."

O.Yip--ThChM