World Cup 2006 News
Ecuador puts on a brave face after World Cup exit
Jun 25, 2006, 19:47 GMT
Quito - The euphoria may have gone, but tens of thousands of Ecuadorians were still celebrating their footballers Sunday as the first-timers were narrowly knocked out of the World Cup by England.
Their previous cries of 'we can do it' were replaced by 'we could do it' and 'mission accomplished' as the fans hailed their side's performance in reaching the last 16.
While there were no more wild street parties in Quito or the second city of Guayaquil as there had been after the side's second- round qualification, crowds gathered round TVs put on a brave face.
Commentators spoke of an 'historic match' against England, who won by virtue of a single goal by their free-kick specialist David Beckham.
'The whole country looks to the national team with gratitude,' said former first division goalkeeper Carlos Luis Morales, echoing the sentiments of the 13 million population.
'Ecuador made themselves very difficult to beat,' said La Red radio commentator Alfonso Lasso. Colleague Marcos Hidalgo said: 'Man for man and ball for ball, Ecuador were easily up to the mark.'
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in World Cup 2006
- 1. Zidane case: FIFA to decide behind closed doors
- 2. Rooney reiterates he didn't deliberately stamp on Carvalho
- 3. Materazzi appears before FIFA over Zidane incident
- 4. Materazzi admits insulting Zidane, FIFA opens probe (Roundup)
- 5. FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Marco Materazzi
Older Talkback
page: 1
JOB WELL DONE THE SHOWED GREAT HEART , IM A ECUADOR THROUGH MY WIFE SHE FROM ECUADOR IM FROM PUERTO RICO WE WILL GO ALL THE WAY NEXT TIME STAY PROUD
JOB WELL DONE THE SHOWED GREAT HEART , IM A ECUADOR FAN THROUGH MY WIFE SHE FROM ECUADOR IM FROM PUERTO RICO WE WILL GO ALL THE WAY NEXT TIME STAY PROUD
QUE VIVA ECUADOR
dear team, i watched all the games and they were spiffing, but i regret to say i was sad at all the fouls played by some of the players, england has nothing to fear, and how well the dutch played their hearts out. the opposite about the other team they played very good football defending but otherwise very poor in sportsmanship, as they commited harsh tackles,and pretended to be fouled by the dutch and were not penalised for some handling of the players shirts when the referee was not looking the worse one was the head butting of a player in full view of the world, the english players are gentlemen compared to other players. so england and st.george is the new battle cry. your friedly supporter , and thanks for a wonderful show. rory barrett moulton
I have to agree...Ecuador played well and if it wasnt for Ashley Cole blocking Tenorio's shot to the goal at the very beginning of the game--it would have turned into a different game for both sides.
Beckham, once again, proved why he is a superstar in Europe. No one can bend it like Beckham and there is no telling how he will bend it during each free kick. Kudos to England!
As for Ecuador, great job and they can go home with their heads up. I am so proud of them despite the lost.
maybe we coludn't won the agme today but we show why we are one of the 16 best teams in the world! we are very proud of our team and how much they have improved their game during the last few years! come on ecuador! you have done a great job!
page: 1
Ges BrownJun 25th, 2006 - 21:37:14
Enjoyed watching the Equadorians play very much. A very good side who gave us (England) a very hard time and were unlucky to lose at the end.Playing like they do I expect to see Equador win the World Cup within a few years.
Thanks very much for a brilliant show.
Report this comment