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Ecuador coach says World Cup hopes 'not over yet' after shock Curacao draw

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ecuador's World Cup hopes are in jeopardy after a surprising 0-0 draw with Curacao, marked by a historic 15 saves from goalkeeper Eloy Room.
  • The result leaves Ecuador with only one point from two matches, necessitating a strong performance against Germany to advance.
  • Coach Sebastian Beccacece acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that the team remains determined to fight for their World Cup goals.

Ecuador's coach, Sebastian Beccacece, remains defiant, insisting that the team's World Cup aspirations are "not over yet" despite a shocking 0-0 draw against Curacao that has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Life has taught me you have to always continue to work, always learn, and challenges can become opportunities.

— Sebastian BeccaceceReflecting on the team's current situation in the World Cup.

The match saw Curacao's veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room deliver a career-defining performance, making an astonishing 15 saves to deny Ecuador a much-needed victory. This result leaves Ecuador with a single point from their opening two Group E matches, following an initial 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast. Their path forward now requires a significant result against tournament favorites Germany in their upcoming match.

It is normal now to feel this pain, this disappointment, but this is not over yet. We have 100 minutes ahead of us, and we're going to be there in a sound way to try to reach our goals.

— Sebastian BeccaceceExpressing determination despite the draw against Curacao.

"Life has taught me you have to always continue to work, always learn, and challenges can become opportunities," Beccacece told reporters. He acknowledged the immediate pain and disappointment but emphasized the team's resolve. "We have 100 minutes ahead of us, and we're going to be there in a sound way to try to reach our goals."

There are things you cannot explain in soccer. Anything I say might be counter-productive. We wanted to win. We didn't do it. I am the one who bears the responsibility.

— Sebastian BeccaceceAcknowledging the team's inability to score and taking personal responsibility.

Despite dominating large portions of the game and registering 28 attempts on goal, Ecuador could not breach Room's defenses. Beccacece, the Argentine coach, took responsibility for the outcome, stating, "There are things you cannot explain in soccer. Anything I say might be counter-productive. We wanted to win. We didn't do it. I am the one who bears the responsibility." He also defended his players' efforts, noting that "the team deserved more than they got," especially considering their impressive 19-match unbeaten run leading up to the tournament.

The team deserved more than they got.

— Sebastian BeccaceceDefending his players' performance after the draw.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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