Ecuador's World Cup Win Sparks Holiday and €15 million Transfer Talk for Gonzalo Plata

President Daniel Noboa declared a national holiday on 26 June after Ecuador defeated Germany 2‑1 in the group stage, securing a place in the World Cup knockout round for only the second time in its history. The decisive goal was scored by forward Gonzalo Plata in the 77th minute.

Flamengo, which owns 100 % of Plata’s economic rights, has set a minimum asking price of €15 million (about R$90 million) for a potential transfer. The club, which invested roughly R$53 million to acquire the player, says it will only negotiate if offers meet that valuation, viewing the World Cup as a showcase to increase demand from European clubs.