Ecuador's president declares a national holiday to celebrate the stunning comeback victory over Germany and the country's second-ever group stage advancement.

Following their stunning reversal against Germany that secured a spot in the World Cup Round of 16 on June 26 Beijing time, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azin declared a nationwide day off in celebration, as stated in Executive Decree No. 431.

The measure applies to both public and private sectors and is a non-compensable holiday, aimed at allowing all Ecuadorians to share in a moment of national pride and unity.

The president wrote emotionally: "Thank you to the players and coach, who, despite enduring criticism, insults, and difficult times, managed to rise from the depths and bring immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow is a public holiday. Long live Ecuador."

In the final match of Group E in the World Cup, Ecuador pulled off a 2-1 comeback victory over Germany. After three matches with one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points), they secured one of the eight best third-place spots to advance to the World Cup's top 32.

This is only the second time in history that Ecuador, with a population of just 18.4 million, has advanced past the group stage in the World Cup. They had previously participated in four World Cups, making it out of the group only in 2006. That year, they lost in the Round of 16 to England, which remains their best-ever performance.

It also marks Ecuador's first victory over a European team in the World Cup since a 1-0 win against Croatia in the 2002 group stage, ending a 24-year drought. This victory broke their five-match winless streak (2 draws, 3 losses) against European opponents in the tournament.