Ecuador’s World Cup qualification marketing campaign started with a three-point deduction slapped on them again in 2022 for fielding Colombia-born Byron Castillo, who Chile claimed was ineligible to play the qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar.
They started the 2026 qualifiers beneath Felix Sanchez, who guided them to 3 wins from six matches earlier than the previous Qatar boss was dismissed in July 2024, straight after a Copa America quarter-final defeat by Argentina.
“They misplaced the shootout, and Sanchez was sacked within the dressing room after the sport,” South American soccer skilled Tim Vickery informed BBC Sport.
“They deal with their coaches with nice harshness.”
Beccacece reign started with a 1-0 defeat by Brazil however his facet didn’t lose once more in 11 matches as they certified for the World Cup as runners-up in South America – solely behind the Selecao.
It meant they arrived on the event with excessive expectations and boasting a 19-game unbeaten run.
Nevertheless it was removed from the beginning they or their supporters had hoped for.
A final-gasp 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast within the opener was adopted by a humiliating goalless draw with debutants Curacao – which turned the followers towards the coach.
“I’m very sorry I did not make it to the guts of the Ecuadorean fan,” he had stated.
“For the followers who do not know me, I feel I did not fairly click on with them. There’s something they do not like with me and that’s nice.”
After no taking part in profession of word, Beccacece earned his popularity as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli throughout Chile’s period of success a decade in the past – serving to them to achieve the 2014 World Cup and safe their first-ever Copa America title in 2015.
He was additionally Sampaoli’s assistant on the 2018 World Cup with Argentina whereas he was accountable for Spanish facet Elche earlier than becoming a member of Ecuador.
Having now masterminded Ecuador’s turnaround on the World Cup, the 45-year-old has maybe achieved the largest feat of his managerial profession.
“We by no means really feel like we’re in hell, nor will we really feel like we’re in heaven,” he stated after beating Germany.
“We now have our toes grounded on earth and we really feel and suppose in the appropriate method.”
