Ecuador Will Come Down to Earth

It would be unfair to say that Ecuador is fluke. It has qualified for consecutive World Cups, finishing ahead of traditional powers like Colombia and Uruguay. Yet, I am unconvinced that Ecuador is going to put up much of a challenge this time around.

The reason I am skeptical is Ecuador’s qualifying record. The team finished with 28 points. But 23 of those points were secured at home. Home for Ecuador is Quito, which is situated a mere 2,800 meters above sea level. This is one of the greatest home field advantages in the world and I think it is the main reason Ecuador will be playing in Germany this summer.

How will Ecuador do in the low altitude of Germany? You can count on Ecuador being fit, but fitness is no substitute for talent. Ecuador is not without some talent. Ulises De La Cruz (Aston Villa), Antonio Valanecia (Villareal), and Austin Delgado (Barcelona De Guayaquil) are all skilled players. But they are not enough.

Placed into a group with Germany, Poland and Costa Rica, I believe that Ecuador will be lucky to come away with one point. Some day the World Cup might be played at altitude again, but until then Ecuador will be the model of mediocrity. A team good enough to qualify for the World Cup, but one not good enough to make much of a statement once it is there.