Football

Brazil 2019 adds to Ecuador’s woes at Copa America

Ecuador’s exit from the 2019 Copa America first round is the most recent episode of the team’s failure at the tournament.

This, however, contradicts with other bright points, such as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2002, 2006 and 2014 and the side’s historic third place spot at the U-20 World Cup held in Poland, reports Efe news.

In its 2019 Copa America opener, Ecuador was defeated 0-4 by Uruguay and then it was handed a 1-2 loss by Chile and a 1-1 draw against Japan rounded off the disappointing campaign.

Coach Gomez of Colombia holds the lion share of the responsibility for the early exit.

Others, meanwhile, blame the low level the national team has struggled with since the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Gomez led Ecuador to make its World Cup debut in 2002, but in this edition of the Copa America he failed for a third time, after 2001 and 2004.

Under him, Ecuador kicked off its 2004 Copa America campaign with a 6-1 defeat to Argentina, a loss so bad the coach said that “it sacks coaches,” and then he proceeded to lose to Uruguay and Mexico by 2-1 on both occasions which resulted in his resignation.

Colombian coach Luis Fernando Suarez led the team to the 2006 World Cup, but he left due to the bad results at the 2007 Copa America.

Reinaldo Rueda, also from Colombia, steered the team to its third World Cup appearance in Brazil, but things did not work out well at the 2011 Copa America, held in Argentina, where he earned just one point.

Then, Gomez gained momentum as he led Panama to make its World Cup debut in 2016 and was appointed as Ecuador national team coach with six months to go in Villacis’ mandate.

The current Ecuador soccer federation’s administration presided over by Francisco Egas who took the helm in Jan, inherited the contract of Gomez, which was signed in July 2018.

Some pundits consider that the current administration is unhappy with him.

Egas, however, confirmed to Efe once he was in charge that he would respect Gomez’s contract, which expires after the 2022 World Cup.

The official even said that talking about firing the coach in the middle of the Copa America was irresponsible, adding that these decisions are usually taken after the tournament. Read more football news now!

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025