Diallo's late strike ends Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run

Diallo breaks Ecuador hearts in the 90th minute

Ecuador 0–1 Côte d'Ivoire. Philadelphia. Amad Diallo scored with virtually the last kick of the match to hand your team a brutal opening defeat in Group E (1) (5).

Ecuador had 12 shots to Côte d'Ivoire's 15 and looked the better side for stretches. Piero Hincapie played the full match (5). The game also featured a surreal moment, an Ecuador midfielder became the first player in World Cup history sent to a sin-bin under a newly implemented rule.

The 19-match unbeaten run dating back to September 2024 is gone. Beccacece called it "unfair" afterward.

Beccacece: 'You feel that frustration, but you have to accept it'

The manager did not hide the pain. "Es normal sentir esa impotencia, pero hay que aceptarlo," Beccacece said after the match (2). It is normal to feel that frustration, but you have to accept it.

No time to dwell. Curaçao in the second group match is now a must-win, and the squad knows it.

Defence built on a 36-year-old anchor

Ecuador came into this tournament leaning hard on a veteran-led back line and a 36-year-old goalkeeper described as a "superhero" by German outlet t-online (3). The defensive structure held for 89 minutes against Côte d'Ivoire before Diallo found a way through.

That foundation has to deliver a clean sheet against Curaçao. One goal conceded, one loss, and suddenly the margin is razor thin.

River Plate cutting Kendry Páez loose

Kendry Páez is being released. River Plate are terminating the contracts of both Páez and Matías Viña as part of a squad clearout under manager Coudet (4).

Páez is 19 and remains one of Ecuador's brightest talents. A free transfer should generate interest quickly, but the timing, mid-World Cup, is not ideal.

Fan reactions

Ecuador fans did not cover themselves in glory. Video surfaced on Reddit of supporters throwing rubbish and liquid at Côte d'Ivoire players after Diallo's goal. The thread is blunt: frustration boiled over at Lincoln Financial Field.

Watch: Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner from every angle