Ecuador arrived at this World Cup as one of the tournament's underdogs, but for much of their campaign, the South Americans had endured only dark days on the pitches of North America. That all changed last night.
Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo and the club's on-loan youngster Kendry Páez are both part of the Ecuador squad, with Caicedo captaining his country to their greatest World Cup achievement in 20 years.
Under the New Jersey sunshine, Caicedo led by example as Ecuador beat Germany to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Their third-place finish in the group, coupled with four points, was enough to see them progress as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams even though the Group stage has yet to be completed.
After suffering a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in their opening match before being held to a goalless draw by Curaçao, La Tri were staring at an early exit. Standing between them and the knockout rounds were four-time world champions Germany.
But Caicedo and his teammates had other ideas.
After falling behind, Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo brought Ecuador level with a fierce strike through a defender's legs that flew beyond Manuel Neuer. Then, with the match hanging in the balance, a flick-on from a corner found Gonzalo Plata, who instinctively stretched out a leg to prod home the winner and spark wild celebrations.
Ecuadorians across the United States and back home in Quito and beyond will now eagerly await the outcome of the remaining group-stage fixtures to discover who La Tri will face in the knockout rounds.
Who will they face?
This is only the second time Ecuador have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, making the celebrations fully deserved. Their only previous appearance came in 2006, when they were eliminated by England in the Round of 16. Twenty years on, however, this Ecuador side is widely regarded as stronger and more experienced, giving La Tri genuine belief that they can enjoy a deep run in the tournament.
Even so, finishing third in the group does not provide an easy route. As things stand, Ecuador are projected to face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca. While that tie is not yet confirmed, it would undoubtedly be one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 32.
There will be no easy matches from this point onwards, but Ecuador may feel they have avoided an even tougher draw. A meeting with Mexico on home soil presents a formidable challenge, yet it arguably looks more favourable than the task awaiting group winners Côte d'Ivoire, who are projected to face either Norway or France.
Should those pairings remain unchanged, Ecuador will believe they have every chance of extending their memorable World Cup run, with Caicedo setting new history for the Ecuadorians.
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