World Cup 2022 Qatar -Groups and Teams

The 2022 World Cup Teams Group A – Ecuador

Ecuador took part in a qualifier for the first time in view of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, losing to Argentina. After that, the Tri lost the deciding match against Chile in their attempt to reach the 1966 World Cup in England. Finally, after a total of ten unsuccessful attempts, the Ecuadorian national team took part in a World Cup final round for the first time at the 2002 World Cup. They were eliminated after the preliminary rounds in South Korea and Japan.

Ecuador took part in a qualifier for the first time in view of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, losing to Argentina. After that, the Tri lost the deciding match against Chile in their attempt to reach the 1966 World Cup in England. Finally, after a total of ten unsuccessful attempts, the Ecuadorian national team took part in a World Cup final round for the first time at the 2002 World Cup. They were eliminated after the preliminary rounds in South Korea and Japan.

Four years later, at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the team reached the round of 16. After failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Ecuador was eliminated after the group stage at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Failing to punch their ticket to the 2018 World Cup, the Tri will contest their fourth World Cup finals at World Cup 2022.

Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro

Argentine Gustavo Alfaro took over the Ecuadorian national team in August 2020. Prior to that, the 59-year-old had been on the sidelines of numerous clubs in his home country. He has managed San Lorenzo, Rosario Central and, most recently, Diego Armando Maradona’s parent club, Boca Juniors, in 2019.

The stars of the Ecuadorian national team

Team captain Enner Valencia, who is under contract with Turkish top-flight side Fenerbahçe, is also the most prolific goalscorer in Tricolor history. The 32-year-old scored 35 goals in 70 international matches. German football enthusiasts also know defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo from Augsburg. In addition, left-back Pervis Estupiñán, who earns his money in Spain with Villarreal, is gaining experience in top European football.

Ecuador’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup

Ecuador finished the South American qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in fourth place with 26 points. Prior to that, the Tricolor experienced seven wins, five draws and three defeats. The Ecuadorian national team achieved a 4-2 home win against Uruguay and 1-1 against Brazil and Argentina at home.

Ecuador’s chances of success at the 2022 World Cup

Ecuador will face the hosts Qatar, Senegal and the Netherlands in Group A. The “Oranjes” represent the best team in the world. The “Oranjes” are the heavy favourites for first place. Moreover, this year’s African champions are clearly to be preferred over the Tricolours. The home side, who are hosting their first World Cup, have less quality and international experience. Therefore, the Ecuadorian side will need 3 points in their opening match to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

Ecuador’s statistical peculiarities ahead of the 2022 World Cup

Ecuador are Qatar’s only group opponents to have faced the host nation. That included a 4-3 away defeat in October 2018. The most recent matches against the Netherlands and Senegal were in 2014 and 2005. Furthermore, the Tri celebrated their last three victories between the end of October and mid-November. This was followed by four draws and a 1-3 defeat in Paraguay between December and March.