Ecuador youngsters ‘will have their revenge’

Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro said he expected the young players in his team to get their “revenge” in the future after yesterday’s World Cup elimination.

La Tri lost 2-1 against Senegal and finished third in Group A, despite a promising win over hosts Qatar in their first game and a good showing in a 1-1 draw with eventual group winners the Netherlands. While the team’s top goalscorer was veteran Enner Valencia on three goals, younger stars including Brighton duo Moises Caicedo, 21, and Pervis Estupinan, 24, all impressed.

“Through the pain that we all have, we should not lose sight of the fact that this experience can serve these youngsters in the future,” Alfaro told a press conference. “Composure is gained through battles you must have — they will have their revenge down the line.” The Argentine coach, 60, said he was considering his own future in charge of the national team. “We were unfortunately knocked out of a beautiful dream that these guys had been weaving for two years,” added the former Boca Juniors manager, who took over Ecuador in 2020. “I need time to know what I will do in my professional life, which decisions I will make.

“We had already spoken to the federation and agreed to meet after the World Cup. I need to stop for a moment and see what I want to do, going forward, if I still want to be a coach or not.” (AFP)