'We are not Germany': Ecuador coach urges caution ahead of Curacao match

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece
Ecuador coach Sebastian BeccaceceDylan Martinez / Reuters

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece sought on ⁠Friday to distance his team from Germany's 7-1 demolition of Curacao, urging focus and respect ‌ahead of a must-win World Cup clash against the Caribbean ‌side.

Ecuador, beaten 1-0 by Ivory Coast in ‌their opener despite long spells of dominance, saw their ‌19-match unbeaten run end and are now under ‌pressure to take points before facing Group E rivals Germany.

"First, we're not Germany. Second, as we've done over these ‌years, we always have respect for ⁠the opponent," Beccacece ‌told reporters. "Matches are played on the pitch."

He said his squad ​were fully fit and clear about their task, and warned them to stay alert ​despite Curacao's - the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament - heavy defeat in their debut.

"We have to ⁠go with an ​idea that is already established, to know in which moments we have to take control, look for spaces that allow us more time to make ‌decisions," the 45-year-old Argentine coach said.

"We have to be very alert to avoid certain transitions and stay very attentive."

Ecuador - Curacao win probability
Ecuador - Curacao win probabilityOpta by StatsPerform

Midfielder Alan Franco said Ecuador had moved on from their opening defeat and were mentally strong ahead of their last two group-stage matches.

He added that while the South American side had analysed Curacao, they would prioritise their own game.

"We ‌study our opponents, we know what Curacao are ​and what they can do, but the focus ‌is on what we can do and what we can improve," the 27-year-old player said. "Beyond what Curacao bring, the focus is on us."

Ecuador and Curacao meet on Saturday in Kansas City, ⁠while Germany take ⁠on Ivory Coast earlier ‌in the day in Toronto.

Follow the game with Flashscore.

Wil jij jouw toestemming voor het tonen van reclames voor weddenschappen intrekken?
Ja, verander instellingen