Ecuador finished their Conmebol World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Guayaquil, securing second place in the table—their best finish since the single-table format began. Enner Valencia scored the winning penalty on his 100th appearance, capping a campaign marked by defensive resilience despite a three-point deduction for a registration irregularity.
Under head coach Sebastián Beccacece, appointed in August 2024, Ecuador have conceded just five goals across the entire qualifying campaign and remain unbeaten since a narrow 1-0 loss to Brazil in September 2024. The team’s defensive solidity, anchored by Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo and PSG centre-back Willian Pacho, has drawn praise, though some critics question their attacking output—they were joint-lowest scorers among qualified South American sides.
Beccacece, a former assistant to Jorge Sampaoli with Chile and Argentina, has instilled a disciplined low-block system that prioritises collective responsibility. “We play a different kind of role,” said defender Àngelo Preciado, emphasising the team’s commitment to protecting the goalkeeper. Ecuador now face friendlies against World Cup hosts United States and Mexico, aiming to maintain their intensity and build momentum for next summer’s tournament.
