Ecuador’s qualification for their third World Cup has been overshadowed by the death of forward Christian Benitez.
EXPECTATIONS
Benitez died last year from heart failure at the age of 27 and Ecuador players will dedicate every goal to their late team-mate.
Benitez is Ecuador’s third-highest all-time scorer and his sudden death has become an inspiration for the team, who qualified on goal difference. Ecuador relied heavily on their home form, where they play at an altitude of 2,500m, in their qualification campaign but they will be accustomed to the intense heat and humidity in Brazil.
Their best showing at a World Cup was in 2006 where they were beaten by England in the second round. Ecuador have targeted a win against Honduras but anything else will be a bonus.
COACH
Colombian managers have been in charge of Ecuador on the three occasions they have qualified for the World Cup. Hernan Dario Gomez took them to the 2002 finals, Luis Fernando Suarez led them to Germany in 2006 and now Reinaldo Rueda will lead them in Brazil.
STARS
Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia is the captain and leader of the team. Felipe Caicedo, who is best remembered for an unsuccessful spell at Manchester City, was Ecuador’s leading scorer in qualifying with seven goals.
Fidel Martinez has a slick haircut similar to Brazilian star Neymar. “Many people call me the Ecuadorian Neymar,” claims the midfielder but that’s as far as the comparison goes.
TACTICS
They will look to attack with pace and width but may have to be more disciplined against European opponents.
