May 25, 2006
TOUGH ROAD FOR IMPROVED SIDE
Ecuador faces challenging opening round

Four years older and hopefully wiser, Ecuador enters its second consecutive World Cup a much more confident side, having gained much experience in 2002.

But that doesn't necessarily make life any easier for the South Americans, who must traverse difficult Group A territory against host Germany, Poland, which is playing on its home continent, and a hungry Costa Rican side.

"We have the chance to show the progress we have made," coach Luis Fernando Suarez told World Soccer. "We have the raw material -- well-motivated players with technical and tactical qualities -- and we're in a group that vies us the possibility of getting through to the second round. Logic makes Germany clear favorites, but we have a chance of finishing in front of the others."

On one hand, only a handful of Ecuadorian players perform in Europe. That could come back to hurt the South Americans against the more experienced Germans and Poles.

On the other, nine players from the player pool perform back home for Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) de Quito. So, there is more continuity in that regard.

There is also the lack of home-field advantage in Germany. Ecuador finished unbeaten at home in qualifying, thanks to Quito’s high altitude (9,350). With no such advantage in Germany, you might say the playing field will be leveled.

Pin-pointing Ecuador's strengths are easy.

Start with 31-year-old veteran central defender Ivan Hurtado, who is the pillar of the backline with vast experience.

Continue with central defender Giovany Espinoza, who was the only South American player to participate in all 18 qualifying matches. He is the glue to the defense in the air and might have to work overtime in trying to compensate for his teammates’ weaknesses off the ground.

Move onto midfielder Edison Mendes, who scored Ecuador’s only goal in the 1-0 upset of Croatia in 2002. He has great vision and the engine of the midfield. He also is known for his booming, long-range shots and free kicks.

And Ecuador hopefully finishes in more ways than one with forward Agustin Delgado, who will be fighting form and proper fitness for World Cup in the wake of his suspension last year. Delgado was suspended by his Ecuadorian club, Barcelona for indiscipline until his contract finishes at the end of the year. Delgado was banned after he was seen in a disco with a teammate only hours after a 1-0 loss to Olmedo in November, 2005.

“He doesn't feel anything for this shirt, that's why he's going to play in the B team,” club president Isidro Romero said. “It's incredible for a player who's an idol in the national team, because this idol hasn't been up to standard in the local championship.”

Delgado, who had scored 29 goals in 67 international matches through the winter, was Ecuador's co-top scorer with Edison Mendez (five goals apiece) in qualifying thanks to a powerful shot and his superb heading ability. Nicknamed Tin, Delgado has fought injuries; primarily back ailments, the past four years, so being in top shape for Germany is a must if Ecuador wants to get out of its group.

The South Americans have moved away from the short passing game and use the wings more.

“Nowadays, any side can complicate matters by packing the midfield with battlers,” Suarez told World Soccer. “A good team is one that attacks and defends well down the flanks.”

Ecuador's weaknesses stand out as well – the defense, especially on crosses and air balls -- and inconsistent performances. For example, after securing a place in Germany, the team had a pair of embarrassing results in friendlies, losing to Poland, 3-0, in Spain and Barcelona of Guayaquil (Ecuador), 4-1.

Suarez admitted he wouldn’t want to play foes who are “dangerous in the air and play a type of football against which Ecuador (doesn’t) have much experience.”

But there is optimism in some quarters. "We may still be a young side in terms of participating on the big stage, but now we've qualified in fine style for the second time running," Sandra Lopez told www.BBC.com. "We've been face to face with the mighty Brazil and Argentina and beaten both at home. Si se puede - yes, we can do it."

An interesting bit of information for World Cup history buffs

Outside of Brazil and Argentina, South American teams have compiled a 9-19-13 record (46 goals for, 66 against) in European-based World Cups. So Ecuador certainly has its work cut out for itself.