A shot by Diallo in the 44th minute of the second half defined Ivory Coast’s victory over Ecuador on Sunday night (14), at the Philadelphia stadium, in the United States, in Group E of the World Cup.
The goal came when everything indicated that the match would be the first goalless match in the World Cup, but a quick move by defender Singo, turning on top of the defense and escaping at speed towards the attack, created the chance for Diallo to score the saving goal, with a left-footed shot into goalkeeper Galíndez’s right corner.
From the beginning, the match was very busy, with real scoring opportunities for both teams. In the first half alone, Ecuador had the best chances, hitting goalkeeper Fofana’s crossbar twice.
At 23 minutes, striker Yeboah stole the ball from Agbadou near the right flank, took the ball to the middle and finished with his left leg. The ball made a slight curve and hit the crossbar.
Six minutes later, Minda infiltrated the defenders and shot the crossbar with his right leg.
Ivory Coast, in turn, achieved good attacking results and also some counterattacks, mainly with striker Diomandé on the right side.
In the best opportunity, Touré received the ball on the left side and, inside the area, shot a dangerous cross. Goalkeeper Galíndez touched the ball, but the referee didn’t see it and scored a goal kick.
At 20 minutes, Ecuadorian Caicedo tried a new FIFA rule, stopping for medical care. He had fallen in a move inside the area, and referee François Letexier stopped the game.
As the player quickly got up, the referee sent him off the pitch to wait a minute. He got very angry and even shouted at the assistant referee before returning.
The second half maintained the same pattern of play as the first and, coincidentally, the goalposts continued to hinder the attackers.
In the first move, Enner Valencia passed to Plata at the edge of the area, on the left. He received it back and finished powerfully at the foot of Fofana’s right post.
Seven minutes later, it was Ivory Coast’s turn. Diomandé crossed for Wahi, who shot first time and hit the crossbar.
At 22 minutes, goalkeeper Fofana saved his team from a shot by Plata from the edge of the penalty area. The Ecuadorian received the ball, adjusted it and finished with his left leg. Well positioned, Fofana palmed away.
The confrontation continued back and forth, with both teams threatening rival goalkeepers, until Diallo’s goal, who had replaced Touré 11 minutes into the second half. In desperation, the Ecuadorians pressed at the end, but were unable to equalize.
With the result, Germany remains at the top of Group E, with 3 points and six goals, followed by Ivory Coast, with 3 points and one goal difference. Ecuador is third, followed by Curaçao, both at zero.
The two teams will play again next Saturday (20). Ivory Coast faces Germany at 5pm (Brasília time) in the fight for the top of the group, and Ecuador faces Curaçao at 9pm.
