Reaction: Ecuador World Cup squad announced

by Bobo

This is the Ecuadorians' second consecutive World Cup finals, after they first qualified for the tournament only four years ago. Their Copa América record spotty, to say the least, the young South American side are looking to make a good impression on these finals for the sake of themselves, their coaches and teammates, and their trainers alike.

The team's top goalkeeper is Deportivo Quito mainstay Edwin Villafuerte, whose "New hands" have brought about a change in attitude in both club and country football in the last half a year or so, since moving back home from an eight-year stint in Barcelona.

Jorge Guagua's deft touches, and quick thinking in defence made him a shoo-in for this year's World Cup squad, and with five years of experience in running with the team, as well as six with his club Nacional, he has become one of the solidest rocks in defence for both club and country.

Qatar has recently become a hotbed of activity for many sportsmen, Ivan Hurtado inclusive. With 14 years of domestic service under his belt, he most recently moved to Al Arabi in Qatar, but more important for him is his work for charity, and, having set up a foundation to bring a haven for 150 homeless children, this must go first and foremost above his footballing aspirations.

Ulises de la Cruz was picked up by Scottish side Hibernian in 2001, and, though he only lasted a year with the team, soon moved to the now much more slimline Aston Villa team. A skilful rightback, he first represented his country as a youth, and made his full debut in May 1995. His absence from the 1998 World Cup was puzzling, but he was to make this up in the two upcoming competitions, the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 European Championships. The heroic Hurtado is the only man to have made more appearances for Ecuador at national level.

Jose Perlaza currently plays in his home country for Olmedo, and the defender made his first international appearance against Mexico two years ago. His towering height of 6'4" coming in most useful in defensive and corner-ball opportunities, Zancudo (which translates as "long legs") became a pivotal member of his domestic club. Despite most recently ending up on the bench for several matches, he has made some fine appearances for his team during World Cup warmup games.

Patricio Urrutia (nicknamed pato, which translates from Spanish to English as duck), last appeared for the national side against Brazil in 2004, and thus his inclusion into the squad raised a few eyebrows amongst Ecuadorian football's elite. However, with some excellent performances in the recent Copa Libertad, allowing his team LDU Quito to reach the quarter finals, he is an intriguing inclusion.

Christian Lara is another Quito-based player who made his international debut in 2001, and has spent his entire career at El Nacional. He himself admits he was born with a natural flair for the game, which is all the more an accurate statement when you come to watch him on the pitch. Diabolito (or little devil) as he's known, has most recently captured a Closing championship winners' medal.

Edison Méndez has played as much of his career in his native Ecuador as he has done in Mexico. With one way and one way only to improve his team's national standing, he is looking towards helping his team progress in order to garner respect and scout recognition.

Félix Borja, otherwise known as the Kangaroo, has spent all of his career so far with local team El Nacional, and his exploits in front of goal helped the team to their first championship in ten years last season. He was a member of the FIFA World Youth Championship squad of 2001 before appearing also in the Copa America.

Ivan Kaviedis currently plays in the top Argentinean league, but his many years at home and abroad, including a year playing for English team Crystal Palace is not to be overlooked. In 1998, he scored more goals in the calendar year than any single player in the world, with a total of 43 goals to his credit. He later became the first Ecuadorian to play in Europe as he signed for Perugia in 1999.

Agustin Delgado (nicknamed "Tin") plays for Ecuadorian side Barcelona, and, though he had a short spell in England with Southampton, his partying and wild exploits have suddenly become bigger news than his football. He has become a legendary figure not merely for his strong play in both offence and defence, but also for his goalscoring ability. He scored the first ever goal for Ecuador in the World Cup, when they first participated in 2002.

Cristian Mora has most recently been used as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Ecuadorian side, and is also the first-choice goalkeeper for his side LDU Quito. Despite helping the team to the national title in 2005, he faces stiff competition from Cevallos and Villafuerte.

Paul Ambrosi has become a dominant player since starting for LDU Quito, as much suiting an attacking role as a defensive one. Having been an integral part of the 2004 Copa America squad, he was given the boost of appearing nationally during the World Cup.

Segundo Castillo was a part of the World Youth Championship squad of 2001, when the young team lost to Ghana in the second round, and the quick midfielder is one of the strongest aerial players within his team's lineup. Despite only appearing in two games in the leadup to the World Cup finals, he has taken extensive part in friendlies ever since, and his strong play since then might just see him performing well this time around.

Marlon Ayovi has played with his side, Deportivo, since 1993, and has become his club's captain and earned more than 70 caps, and a legendary status amongst the youngsters who grow up to watch football to see him play week in week out. "The Infallible", as he is known, was a member of the 2002 World Cup squad, and took part in the Copa America in 1999, 2001 and 2004.

Luis Valencia made his first international appearance less than 18 months ago, yet still, the very young midfielder has already made 17 caps, and the single brightest light in the Ecuadorian tunnel is attempting to adjust to European football as we speak. His play combines the beauty of technical ability and the workmanlike attitude of a strong-minded player.

Giovanny Espinoza first appeared for Ecuador against Paraguay in 2000, and has since become their rock in the heart of the defensive line. He was a bit part player in the 2002 World Cup, not managing to get a start on the board, but has since helped LDU Quito to two championship titles.

Neicer Reasco is a strong but lithe right-sided defender, whose time in his home country is almost up as he has already signed a deal with the giants of Brazilian football, Sao Paulo. Though he is more comfortable in the centre of the attack, the appearance of de la Cruz has swiftly put this in order.

Luis Saritama is a creative and stylish midfielder, as capable as a playmaker as he is skilful at wingplay, and was given his team's captain's armband at the age of 22. With his debut coming against Peru in 2002, he is now one of the most attacking weapons within his Quito side.

Edwin Tenorio currently plays for Ecuadorian side Barcelona, but has enjoyed a varied career in which he has also lined up for Mexican and Bolivian teams. He is a strong but balanced defensive midfielder, whose play during the 2006 World Cup campaign was one of the main catalysts to a qualification spot for the national team.

Carlos Tenorio currently plays in the same country as Hurtado, the wilds of Qatar, having previously lined up for South African team Al Nassr. He finished as second-highest scorer in the 2004 Qatari football league, next to legendary Argentinean player Gabriel Batistuta, and helped Al Sadd to the Qatari championship.

Damian Lanza is the son of a former Argentinean footballer, and was born in Cuenca, where his father played most of his football. After spending his early years in Buenos Aires, he moved to Deportivo, where he made his way up to becoming the first-choice keeper in the 2004 Championship winning side. He now has a World Cup place in spite of switching teams and no longer being first choice domestic goalkeeper.

Cristian Benitez (related to goalscoring great Ermen, and sadly not Liverpool legend Rafael) has become one of the biggest shocks of the selection, having only recently made it out of the national youth teams. With a quick brain and quick feet, he has experience of the Copa Libertad, where he has proven very effective.

A positive squad heading out to Germany, with every chance of pulling off a second-placed finish behind the home team in the top group.

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