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This is a newly built team for Ecuador. New manager Gustavo Alfaro was hired after the unsuccessful reign of Jorge Celico and Jordi Cruyff. After discarding a lot of the old guard, he focused on turning the team into one full of youth and energy.
After an excellent start on the road to Russia 2018, Ecuador imploded. Things then got even worse after they brought back former coach Hernan Dario Gomez who coached them to their 2002 World Cup. An appointment that failed miserably. With little time before the Qatar qualifiers, in came low-profile Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro.
Road to Qatar
Ecuador qualified for Qatar 2022 by finishing fourth in the South American section, two points ahead of Peru. There was controversy with Chile and Peru trying to get Ecuador thrown out of the World Cup because they had fielded an ineligible player, Byron David Castillo. Fifa ruled in favour of Ecuador with Cas (the court of arbitration for sport) upholding the decision on 8 November and handing Ecuador a three-point penalty for the 2026 qualifying round instead.
Recent World Cup performances
Ecuador failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, they were present at the 2014 world cup in Brazil but were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third behind Switzerland and France
Ecuador final World Cup squad
The Ecuador World Cup squad is headlined by Moses Caicedo, the Brighton dynamo who has become an indispensable part of the team, providing balance and defensive structure from midfield.
Take a look at the squad list for Ecuador here
Star Player
Moses Caceido
Ecuador possesses one of the brightest midfield talents in the world in Moses Caicedo. A box to box midfielder who shoulders both offensive and defensive responsibilities for his team. For Ecuador to have a chance of getting out of the group, Caicedo will have to be at his absolute best.
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The Coach
Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro had a short playing career for his hometown club, Atlético de Rafaela, in Santa Fe, Argentina, but retired in 1992 to focus on coaching.
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Thirty years later he will be at the World Cup leading Ecuador having earned the affection of the Ecuadorian people for the way he speaks and represents the national team, and the confidence he transmits to his players. Alfaro had coached several clubs in Argentina, including Boca Juniors, as well as Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia
Ecuador World Cup Fixtures
Ecuador vs Qatar - 20 November, 4 pm
Ecuador vs Netherlands - 25 November, 4pm
Ecuador vs Senegal - 29 November, 3pm
Ecuador odds to win the World Cup
Ecuador have the 19th best chance to win the World Cup according to the bookies with odds of 151.00
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