Substitute Amad Diallo struck in the closing moments to hand Ivory Coast a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a thrilling World Cup opener in Philadelphia.
Both teams created several chances in an entertaining contest, with Ecuador hitting the woodwork three times while Ivory Coast also saw an effort crash against the crossbar before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute.
Ecuador looked the more dangerous side in the opening half. Veteran forward Enner Valencia missed a clear opportunity after Emmanuel Agbadou slipped inside the area, blasting his shot over the bar.
John Yeboah then rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from outside the box, while Alan Minda also struck the woodwork after being picked out by Pedro Vite.
Ivory Coast threatened mainly through 19-year-old Yan Diomande, whose pace and trickery caused problems down the right flank.
However, the Africans struggled to convert their openings, with Nicholas Pepê wasting one chance and firing another effort straight at teammate Elye Wahi.
Ecuador continued to press after the break, with Valencia clipping the outside of the post following a neat exchange with Gonzalo Plata.
But Ivory Coast gradually grew into the contest and began creating the better opportunities. Diomande twice fired over from promising positions before Wahi turned one of his dangerous crosses onto the bar.
At the other end, Plata forced a save from goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and Joel Ordóñez headed over from a set-piece, but the decisive moment arrived late on.
Wilfried Singo surged down the flank and delivered a dangerous cross into the area, with Diallo calmly guiding his finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to seal victory for the Ivorians.
