"Thanks to the players and to the coach (Sebastian Beccacece) who, despite criticism, insults and the tough moments they have gone through, managed to come together and deliver immense joy to the entire country," Noboa wrote on X.
He added:
“Tomorrow (Friday) is a holiday!”
Great celebrations erupted when Gonzalo Plata scored the 2-1 goal with 13 minutes left in Thursday's match against Germany, a lead that the South Americans were able to defend until the final whistle.
Ecuador finished with four points in the group and has qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best three third-placed teams.
It is only the second time in World Cup history that the country has advanced from the group stage to the World Cup finals.
