DIALLO’S LATE STRIKE LIFTS IVORY COAST PAST ECUADOR IN WORLD CUP

PHILADELPHIA — A 90th-minute goal from Amad Diallo propelled Ivory Coast to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Sunday night, lighting up a sold-out Lincoln Financial Field in the opening match of Group E.

The high-octane encounter before 68,274 fans seemed destined for a scoreless draw, defined largely by Ecuador’s agonizing misfortune against the woodwork. The South American side dominated early, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both rattling the crossbar in the first half. Shortly after the interval, captain Enner Valencia struck the outside of the post.

The three deflections made Ecuador only the third team since 1966 to hit the woodwork three times in a single World Cup match without finding the back of the net.

Ivory Coast weathered the storm and found their footing late in the second half. The breakthrough finally arrived in the final minute of regulation time. Defender Wilfried Singo made a powerful, driving run down the right flank before cutting a precise pass back across the penalty area. Diallo, the Manchester United winger, met the ball cleanly, opening his hips to guide a first-time, left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The result shatters Ecuador’s remarkable 19-match unbeaten streak and secures the Ivory Coast’s first World Cup victory in 12 years.

With Germany defeating Curaçao 7-1 earlier in the day, the Ivory Coast sits second in Group E on goal difference, while Ecuador faces a must-win situation in their next outing. Both teams return to action on Saturday, June 20, when Ecuador faces Curaçao in Kansas City and Ivory Coast clashes with Germany in Toronto.