Ecuador coach says World Cup hopes 'not over yet' after shock Curacao draw
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 20 : Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece insisted "it is not over yet" after his side's World Cup hopes were left hanging by a thread after a shock 0-0 draw with Curacao, whose goalkeeper Eloy Room gave a historic 15-save performance to deny the South Americans.
The result left Ecuador with one point from two Group E matches after their opening 1-0 defeat by the Ivory Coast, and needing a result against heavyweights Germany in New Jersey on Thursday to have any chance of reaching the round of 32.
"Life has taught me you have to always continue to work, always learn, and challenges can become opportunities," Beccacece told reporters.
"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."
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
Ecuador dominated for long stretches but could not find a way past 37-year-old Room, who produced a string of spectacular stops and was named man of the match. Beccacece's side finished the match with 28 attempts at goal.
"There are things you cannot explain in soccer," the Argentine coach said. "Anything I say might be counter-productive. We wanted to win. We didn't do it. I am the one who bears the responsibility."
Ecuador arrived at the World Cup on a 19-match unbeaten run, having finished South American qualifying runners-up to reigning world champions Argentina, and also had long spells of dominance in the match against the Ivory Coast.
Despite the setback, Beccacece defended his players' effort.
"The team deserved more than they got," he said.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app