Ecuador are scheduled to face World Cup hosts Mexico in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, with the winner potentially facing England at the Estadio Azteca.
Ecuador plays Mexico on Tuesday night in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.
Ecuador contacted FIFA to express concerns about their treatment ahead of their World Cup Round of 32 match against Mexico.
Later, after Mexican fans caused a late-night riot outside the team’s hotel in Mexico City, video footage was released showing La Tri players holding hands and praying together before the must-see clash at the Estadio Azteca.
Fireworks were set off against the building, with some speculating that they were actually launched from the hotel’s roof, but Ecuador’s stars were seen peeking through the curtains as the distress continued into the early hours of the morning.
Additionally, coach Sebastien Beccasse revealed in a press conference that the Ecuadorian team arrived at their hotel three hours and 20 minutes later than scheduled due to mysterious delays in their plane and coach.
That meant they endured nine hours of travel after leaving their Columbus, Ohio, practice base on Monday morning, but it wasn’t ideal preparation for facing a strong Mexico team.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation has now issued the following statement: “The Ecuadorian Football Federation informs that it has lodged a formal complaint with the organizers regarding certain off-field acts that took place before the round of 16 matches, as this behavior departs significantly from the principles of fair play, impartiality and solidarity that the FIFA World Cup should represent.”
“The FEF therefore respectfully requests the relevant authorities to pay close attention to these incidents and take the necessary measures to protect the integrity of the players, coaching staff and supporters.
“We believe that these unsportsmanlike acts will not overshadow the celebration of football that unites our two brotherly nations, and that the respect, healthy competition and fair play that give meaning to the World Cup will always prevail. Ecuador will always respond to these unsportsmanlike acts on the field.”
Sebastian Beccasese was frustrated by Ecuador travel delays on Monday
“We’re going to go out there, we’re going to compete, we’re going to play. There’s no complaining, there’s no excuses. We’re grateful. We might look tired, but how can we be upset that we’re in the World Cup?” Bekkases said.
Ecuador allegedly tried to change hotels after it became known that Mexican fans were planning to gather outside the Westin Santa Fe, where fans honked horns, revved motorcycles, played musical instruments and then sang aggressive chants.
Riot police arrived around midnight to try to prevent the situation from escalating out of control.
The defeat is particularly worrying for England, who could face hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 if both teams win against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ecuador.
La Tri are used to playing at high altitudes, but the Aztecs are 2,200 meters above sea level and the pollution in Mexico City, which has improved in recent years but is significantly worse, presents a new hurdle for England to overcome.
Mexico is undefeated in nine World Cup matches played at Azteca Stadium.
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