Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has been named as Ecuador's new captain midway through the World Cup, taking over from Enner Valencia, who has stepped down from the role. Ecuador are currently preparing to face Mexico in the round of 32, having finished third in Group E with four points.
Ecuador's dramatic group stage finish
Ecuador secured their place in the first knockout round courtesy of a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in their concluding group stage fixture. The win came after a difficult start to the tournament: a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curacao left Sebastian Beccacece's side on the brink of elimination. However, the triumph over Germany lifted them to third place in Group E, enough to advance.
Valencia started all three group matches but has yet to score at the tournament, while Caicedo has been a consistent starter throughout Ecuador's campaign in North America.
Emotional captaincy handover
During an emotional ceremony alongside Valencia, Caicedo was confirmed as Ecuador's new captain and will wear the armband for the remainder of the country's fixtures. Caicedo first wore the captain's armband for Ecuador in the tournament during the victory over Germany, having previously captained his nation in November's friendly triumph over New Zealand.
According to the Ecuadorian Football Federation, Valencia chose to step down to allow a new leader to emerge. The 24-year-old Caicedo is no stranger to captaincy duties, having worn the armband for Chelsea on two occasions in the Premier League last season—in defeats to Manchester United and Manchester City in April. He also led Chelsea to victories over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round.
Potential path to England clash
Ecuador could face England later in the tournament. A win over Mexico in the round of 32, scheduled for Tuesday evening in Mexico City, would set up a last-16 clash against either England or DR Congo. Ecuador's squad will be hoping Caicedo's leadership can inspire a deep run.
