ECUADOR

Until recently Ecuador has been one of South America's ordinary sides, usually finishing middle of the pack during WC Qualifying and never winning the Copa America despite the efforts of players such as Pedro Alberto Spencer Herrera.

However in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, Ecudor established itself as a very capable side, beating Brazil for the first time in WCQ and is now gaining respect as another very solid South American side.

Ecuador was one of the original invitees to the first World Cup of 1930 however funds were not made available for the team to travel Uruguay for the event. Ecudoar, in fact, did not participate in the "Eliminatorias" as the WC Qualifiers are called for another 30 years when the "tri-color" set its sights on the 1962 Cup held in Chile.

Things appear to be turning around nowadays. Players like Alex Aguinaga, a midfield maestro who played in Mexico for several years led the revival with help from players like Ivan Hurtado in the defense. Today stars such as Carlos Tenorio and Giovani Espinsoza are showing that Ecuador is no longer just an also ran in South American soccer.

Alex Aginaga is the most recognizable Ecudorian
soccer player. His skill enabled him to win a game
almost any time he had the ball at his feet
(from www.ecuafutbolonline.org)

BLACKS IN ECUADORIAN FOOTBALL

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Ecuador's Black population has produced some excellent futballing talents such as Eduardo "El Tanque" Hurtado who played in MLS for a few seasons and the afore mentioned Ivan Hurtado (no relation). Augustin Delgado, the leading scorer for the "tri-color" during their 2002 WCQ run is being recognized all over South America for his goal scoring prowess and skill. Watch out for Aginaga's heir to the #10 shirt, Christian Lara.

Augustin Delgado (c) has been celebrating a lot
of goals while wearing his National Team Jersey (Reuters)

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Bottom line:
Ecuador is serving notice that it can no longer be taken lightly on the South American scene.

ECUADOR FACTS:
Association: Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol
Founded: 1925
Soccer Confederation: CONMEBOL
Colors: Gold, Red and Blue
National Stadium: Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa
Location: Quito
Coach: Luis Suarez
World Cup appearances: 2002, 2006

HONORS:



Ecuadorian National Team News and Scores

Ecuadorian First Division News and Scores

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