Ecuador excel against odds

10 July 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

 

Very few teams will leave the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ as proud of their displays as Luis Suarez's Ecuador. Their unprecedented qualification for the Round of 16 electrified their nation, creating history in the process.
Before the tournament, La Tricolor were very much an unknown quantity and largely ignored outside Latin America. The draw was not favourable to them either, as their berth in Group A pitted them against hosts Germany, Poland and an unpredictable Costa Rica side. The general consensus in the media was that the Ecuadorians had a chance of finishing runners-up behind Jurgen Klinsmann's men, but that achieving it would not be easy. Nobody, however, was in any doubt as to their stomach for the fight. After all, Ecuador had claimed the notable scalps of South American giants Argentina and Brazil en route to qualification. 'Mission accomplished' for Ecuador' As it was, the pundits' pessimism could not have been more misplaced. Flair, dynamism and goals turned out to be the watchwords as the unheralded South Americans breezed through the group stage. The dangerous Poles were stylishly seen off by two goals to nil, while Costa Rica were negotiated with ease, as La Tricolor ran out 3-0 winners. Two games, two wins, and a place in the Round of 16 safely booked. In his team's final Group A encounter against Germany, Suarez duly rested several of his first-choice stars, handing valuable experience to some of the squad's fringe players. Roared on by a partisan crowd, the hosts triumphed 3-0, but the South Americans were already looking forward to upsetting one of the big boys in the knockout stages. The Ecuadorian miracle almost became reality. A stubborn rearguard display was punctured only by a majestic free-kick from England captain David Beckham, and that after Carlos Tenorio had rattled Paul Robinson's crossbar early in the first half. Even in defeat, Suarez and his men could hold their heads high, as their defence, marshalled by the evergreen Ivan Hurtado, coped with almost everything that England's attack could throw at them. Outstanding players
Though it is difficult and perhaps unfair to single out one man from Ecuador's many unsung heroes, the driving force behind their qualification from Group A was the striker who has been the focal point of the team's attack over the last few years: Agustin Delgado. The one-time Southampton player took his leave of international football in the best way possible, scoring two vital goals to set his team on the road to the last 16.

  In addition to a collective work ethic that put other countries to shame, other players such as lightning-quick front man Carlos Tenorio, dashing full-back Ulises de la Cruz, and inspirational skipper Ivan Hurtado all boosted their international reputations with a series of stellar displays.

Another player to make his mark, in more ways than one, was colourful keeper Cristian Mora. An injury doubt right up to the eve of Ecuador's first game, Mora's outstanding performance was one of the hallmarks of his country's FIFA World Cup campaign. No less memorable was Mora's penchant for taking to the field with two miniature Ecuadorian flags painted on his cheeks.

In spite of their painful exit, the players will not be plagued by questions of what might have been as they made the long trip home. The Ecuador squad of 2006 will be remembered for their commitment to attacking football, and their displays in Germany will serve as a yardstick by which their nation's future footballing achievements can be measured.

Reasons to be cheerful
In fact, the future looks very bright for football in the Andean nation. Players like Hurtado, Delgado, De la Cruz and Ivan Kaviedes are unlikely to figure at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but Suarez's legacy will be the young players that he has blooded during their entertaining 2006 campaign.

Youngsters such as Mora, Segundo Castillo and the Recreativo Huelva starlet Luis Antonio Valencia, not to mention the fleet-footed Carlos Tenorio, can only grow in stature over the next four years. Their ambition will be to build on the success of 2006, to take football in their homeland to places that it could not even dream of just a few months ago. After doing so well at what was only their country's second FIFA World Cup, Ecuadorians are already hoping for even better things next time round.

ITALY 2 : 0 ECUADOR
by FIFAworldcup.com

June 03, 2002

Italy earned a comfortable victory over Ecuador at Sapporo Dome in Japan in Group G's second match. Striker Christian Vieri got his finals campaign off to a hot start, scoring two first-half goals to lead the Italians.

The win lifts Italy to top of the group along side Mexico, who defeated Croatia earlier in the day. Ecuador now own a share of the bottom spot and will next face Mexico on Sunday. Italy will play next against Croatia on Saturday.

Italy came out with all cylinders firing and after only six minutes, Christian Vieri was sent through into the penalty area. Just as he put his foot to the ball, Ecuador goalkeeper Jose Cevallos charged out to block his shot (7').

But, the Azzurri came straight back with Francesco Totti bursting down the right wing and laying a ball back from the by-line to Vieri 16 metres from goal. This time, the Inter Milan striker had more than an instant to find the upper-right corner with a booming left-foot shot, leaving Cevallos helpless (1:0, 7').

After scoring, Italy seemed content to allow some breathing room to the FIFA World Cup debutantes and wait to pounce on any small mistake.

Gianluca Zambrotta intercepted a poor pass in Ecuador's defensive third then crossed for Vieri, but his ambitious sliding volley sailed well off the mark (24').

Moments later Vieri did have his second when the Italians counter-attacked. The striker chested down a long ball out of the back, shook off his defender and sent a low shot toward Cevallos. The goalkeeper managed to get a piece of the shot with his leg, but was unlucky to have the ball carom directly at the empty goal. Vieri had an easy tap-in (2:0, 27').

The half closed with Ecuador enjoying most of the possession, but never threatening the Italy goal.

Ecuador continued to control the pace in the second half, and they were able to manufacture a few opportunities, but Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had little difficulty with any of them.

Another mistake by the South Americans almost cost them a third goal. Damiano Tommasi intercepted a poor pass at midfield, raced straight up the middle and ripped a 25-metre shot that Cevallos tipped over the crossbar (57'). On the ensuing corner kick, Cristiano Doni leaped into the goal box and volleyed the ball off the crossbar and out of play (58').

Ahead by a pair, Italy were composed, filling their box with defenders and making it nearly impossible for Ecuador to even sniff a goal.

The large Italian contingent in attendance reserved most of its second-half cheering for the entrance of prized Juventus playmaker Alessandro Del Piero, who replaced Totti in the 74th minute.

Some excitement remained, however, as Buffon made his best stop of the night to preserve his clean sheet as stoppage time approached. Ecuador forward Agustin Delgado received a pass at his feet at the top of the penalty area, turned in one motion and watched Buffon dive to deflect his last-chance effort out for a corner (90').

ITA : ECU - Post-match analysis TSG
by FIFAworldcup.com
Ivica Osim (BIH):
We saw a typical Italian display this evening: professional and clinical. Italy scored two early goals in the first half and protected their lead for the remainder of the game. Ecuador showed that they can dominate possession and play attractive football, but there was no end product.

The Italians are old hands at this type of game. They are very strong on the ball, have vastly experienced players who all play at top clubs and don't really do more than is necessary. Under pressure they remain composed. Their second goal came when an Ecuador attack broke down and Vieri was released with a long ball. At 2:0 the game was practically over.

The Italian players were always one step ahead of their opponents. They instantly recognised Ecuador's weaknesses and exploited them to perfection. In Nesta and Cannavaro, they have two defenders who excel in one on one situations. That allows them to outnumber their opponents in midfield, which makes life very difficult for the opposing side. It's no coincidence that the FIFA World Cup™ debutantes had to wait until the last minute for their first chance on goal.

When you also consider that Italy have four top class strikers in reserve in Del Piero, Montella, Inzaghi and Delvecchio, you start to wonder whether they could go all the way. -->

 

MEXICO 2 : 1 ECUADOR
by FIFAworldcup.com

June 09, 2002

 After an early Agustin Delgado header gave Ecuador the lead, Mexico stormed back confidently to win 2-1 in Miyagi, Japan. Jared Borgetti and Gerardo Torrado claimed the goals that clinched the match, leaving Mexico in an excellent spot to advance from Group G.

Both goals were top class, and the two goal scorers were impressive figures throughout the match. The authority with which Mexico controlled the South Americans will have their next opponents, Italy, nervous about their chances. For Ecuador it looks the end of the road on their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup™. Only a victory over Croatia along with a Mexican win against Italy could keep them in the tournament.

Ecuador went ahead early when Agustin Delgado's pinpoint flick header was just out of the reach of goalkeeper Oscar Perez and banged down inside the goal off the underside of the crossbar. Ulises De La Cruz set up the first chance of the game with his cross from the right side (0:1, 5').

Ecuador's Edwin Tenorio fouled Joahan Rodriguez outside the corner of the penalty area, setting up Mexico's first dangerous set piece. But, goalkeeper Jose Cevallos easily handled Ramon Morales' swerving left-footer (18').

Midway through the first half, Mexico enjoyed an overwhelming advantage in possession time, but the Tricolores never seemed dangerous and Ecuador soaked up the pressure with relative ease.

But when Morales broke free on the left side and crossed for Jared Borgetti, the Santos forward made his left-foot volley look easy as it escaped a diving Cevallos and found the back of the net (1:1, 28').

Back to level terms, Ecuador returned to the attack. Alfonso Obregon struck a powerful shot from 25 metres that veered wide of the left post (33').

For the most part, Mexico continued to dictate the flow of the match, creating three more good chances before the half-time whistle. Cuauhtemoc Blanco had the best opportunity, receiving a pass just inside the penalty area, but he could only manage a soft right-footer on Cevallos (41').

Raul Guerron earned a caution when he was forced to drag down Jesus Arellano after the Monterrey forward beat him cleanly on the right side. The foul proved wise when Braulio Luna's free kick was high and wide of the back post (50').

Mexico continued to press forward in the second half and they were eventually rewarded. Torrado was given space outside the penalty area and he ripped a left-footer into the right-side netting (2:1, 57').

Substitute forward Carlos Tenorio provided a brief respite from the Mexican onslaught when his sudden burst of speed past two Mexican defenders created a corner kick. Ecuador eventually earned a free kick, and Guerron's 30-metre shot had pace but was directed right at Perez (66').

Before long, Mexico were back on the attack with Rodriguez wasting a good chance high over the net from 10 metres (68'), and Borgetti skimming the far post with a shot from just inside the area (70').

Tenorio's speed caused more problems for Mexico when he raced around a defender to receive a pass and fire a quick shot that Perez was just able to deflect with his foot (81').

Edison Mendez then tested Perez from long-range with a hard-struck volley that the goalkeeper had little trouble containing (83'). Marlon Ayovi came even closer for Ecuador when his right-footer from 20 metres skipped inches outside the right post (87'). -->

MEX :ECU - Match analysis from the technical study group TSG
by FIFAworldcup.com

Ivica Osim (BIH):
Today saw an interesting first round match and in Mexico, a very worthy winner. Ironically, the turning point was when Ecuador took the lead, which was a stroke of luck. Ecuador did not know how to use this advantage. Instead of staying on the attack, they withdrew and gave Mexico too much space.

The Mexicans, on the other hand, reacted very well to the goal. After starting off in a 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1 formation, they changed to 3-5-2. This gave them superiority in midfield, and I have to admit, I was surprised at how well they played. Their five midfielders controlled the game, playing direct football and creating a lot of pressure. Had the result been anything other than a win for Mexico, it would have been unlucky and undeserved.

Mexico are now on six points and are in a very strong position in Group G. This is astounding, since it is no easy matter with Italy and Croatia in the group. What is more, they are not sure of going through, even with six points. Anything could still happen in this group. -->

Paul Carrera Velastegui

Born in Quito. He was one player that promulgated the magic touch of the ball. His nickname was "Polo" He was about 1,70 cm of height and had a weight of 68 Kg. He was a mid-fielder of attack. Later in his life, he became a manager for different teams in Ecuador. As a coach, he conquered a national title. The only footballer that won as a player and as a coach with the same team Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito.

 

 

 

 

 Professional Clubs

As a Player

1983 - 1984 Club Deportivo Quito [ECU]
Barcelona S.C. [ECU]
1975 - 1976 Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito [ECU]
1972 - 1973 El Nacional [ECU]
1968 - 1969 Pe

Copa Am