Mexico advanced to the last 16 by defeating Ecuador in Mexico City, marking the end of Sebastian Beccasese’s reign as La Tri manager.
Sebastian Beccasese will end his time with Ecuador (Image: Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Ecuador’s coach Sebastian Beccasse has announced that he will resign following the team’s World Cup loss to Mexico. Beccasese could only watch as his team lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts in the last 32.
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La Tri was labeled as a dark horse in the tournament, with the likes of Moises Caicedo leading the team. In the match against Mexico, Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez scored goals in the first half, and they fell just short, but Piero Hincapie was sent off in the 95th minute.
Beccasese took over as Ecuador’s rising star in 2024 after spells at Elche, Defensa y Justicia and Racing Club. The country finished second in the South American standings, ahead of Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, and qualified for the World Cup by conceding just five goals in 18 games.
However, Ecuador only advanced to the final tournament by defeating Germany in the final group match. They were placed as one of the top eight with a third place finish.
The 45-year-old said it was time to say goodbye to the role, with his contract due to end after his performance at the World Cup. Beccasese believes the team did not achieve its goals.
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“Our contract ended with the World Cup. I don’t think we achieved the feat we promised to make this the best World Cup in history. Today it’s my turn to say goodbye,” Bekkases said, Reuters reported.
“I have a feeling of gratitude. Thank you to the people and thank you to the players who gave their hearts,” he added. “It was a tough night, but I will go home with good memories of tonight’s dressing room. After the game, talking to the players… it was a great two hours.
“We built a family. Even though we didn’t achieve what we promised, we feel complete. We know what we’ve built.”
Ecuador loses World Cup to Mexico (Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
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Ecuador’s loss came after they contacted FIFA to express concerns about Ecuador’s treatment ahead of their match against Mexico. Supporters caused a late night commotion outside Ecuador’s hotel in Mexico City and set off fireworks at the building.
As the chaos descended into the early hours of the morning, Beccase stars were spotted peeking out from the curtains. The Ecuadorian coach also revealed that the team arrived at the hotel three hours and 20 minutes later than scheduled due to mysterious delays in the plane and coach.
In a statement, the Ecuadorian Football Federation said: “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, equity 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.”
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