2024-04-20 10:55:32
SPORTS
The America Cup will start filming at the end of June and there is great expectation in Ecuador for the role that the team can play in this edition. This is more competitive than ever, with six teams from the center and north of the continent and because it is held entirely in USA. Even so, it stands as an ideal option to see the tricolor team again in another great championship, seeing the growing trend achieved in recent years.
The new era of the national team began to be seen precisely in the 2021 continental tournament, reaching a discreet quarterfinal. Then happened the South American Qualifierssigning a more than notable performance that he gave to the team led at that time by Gustavo Alfaro the opportunity to contest the Qatar World Cup. Despite being eliminated in the first round, they showed that the path was promising, making life difficult for countries like the Netherlands and Senegal.
Such is the optimism that the national team exudes, that in the bets referring to the Copa América, qualification for the semifinals is contemplated with a low odds of 3.00 (date: 04/07/2024). This, that for other selections such as Brazil o Argentina is most common, for the nation it would mean equaling, at least, the best record achieved in the South American international championship, since in the editions of 1959 y 1993 he finished in fourth position.
New faces, new hope
The commitment of the Ecuadorian Federation is firm and the objective is none other than to continue growing little by little. But not doing it in any way or style, but betting on the attack and good ball handling. What has been said is reaffirmed when observing the decision to give the reins of the selection to Felix Sancheza technical director from Barcelona who previously led the Qatari team. Trained in the Barça club, one of his hallmarks is being offensive through possession.
All this is wrapped up in the fact that the Tricolor has new references and with young talents who already shine in the best leagues. Without going any further, of the ten Conmebol teams and taking the last call for the month of March, it is the team that has the lowest average age, at 23.2 years, followed by Bolivia (23,4) y Brazil (23.8). The future is assured and the first big challenge they have in the short term is to prove their worth in this edition’s Copa América.
In relation to the most proven footballers, not everything is reduced to Moisés Caicedo. There are many other pieces that accumulate great experience in highly demanding tournaments despite their short career. Piero Hincapié o Willian Pacho, both on the defensive line, are two of them. It is also worth mentioning the offensive aspect of Kendy Páezthe great hope for the future of Ecuadorian football, as well as Alan Mind o Jeremy Sarmientotwo vertical extremes that are already giving a lot of talk.
Exciting results
For now, the stage of Sánchez and his young pupils has gotten off to a good start. They have played several friendlies, but the measuring stick is in the official matches and these are, for now, within the framework of the South American Qualifiers that give access to the 2026 World Cup. Of the six matches played, three wins and two draws have been achieved. While waiting for the league after the continental cup to resume, a fifth place is occupied, which would give direct access to the world event.
Returning to the Copa América, it should be recognized that Ecuador’s luck in the draw was benevolent, as it established pairings that, on paper, are not among the most demanding that could have occurred. Faces will be seen before Venezuelawhich in recent times is recovering its best version, as well as with the duo of Jamaica y Mexico, two of the six invited by the South American confederation to compete in the tournament. It will start on June 20 with the hope of making history.