Amad Diallo's late strike gives Ivory Coast winning World Cup start

Amad snatches it at the death

Ivory Coast opened their World Cup campaign with a 1–0 win over Ecuador on Saturday, and it took until the 90th minute to find the breakthrough. Amad Diallo scored the winner, sending your team top of Group E alongside Germany on three points (1) (3) (4) (5).

The match was tight throughout. Elye Wahi hit the crossbar in the 53rd minute, and Ecuador struck the woodwork twice themselves (4) (5). But Diallo's late strike made the difference, a massive moment for a side that beat France 2–1 just a week ago.

Germany send a warning

Germany thrashed Curaçao 7–1 in the group's other opener on Saturday. Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Joshua Kimmich were among the scorers as the Mannschaft ran riot (2) (6) (7).

They sit top of Group E on goal difference. Ivory Coast face Germany next, a match that will likely decide who wins the group.

Fan reactions

Supporters are buzzing after Diallo's late goal. The match thread captured the tension, two shots off the bar and a nerve-shredding wait for the winner. Fans noted Ecuador hadn't lost a match since September 2024, which makes the result feel even bigger. See the reactions on r/soccer.