Friendlies are for testing and it will always be a mistake draw categorical conclusions after a game of this type. But the very discreet blank match with the United States has upset even the defenders of the coach Sebastian Beccacece with the Tricolor.
The problem with the party in Austin is that Ecuador was widely surpassed on the field, that simple and raw. In the Beccacece era, the Tricolor always retreated and showed a offensive solidity laudable (not perfect, but with an established hierarchy) that allowed her to retire to the dressing rooms without having really been defeated, even despite the saves from the archers. Ecuador was like Rocky Balboa: He withstood the blows and at the least expected moment he hit and did damage. Merit of the DT.
But, this time, Ecuador He did not show why he reached second place in the Qualifiers. He didn’t even show why there is a huge expectations for the World Cup, given the quality of its footballers. Creative play? Nothing. Progression? Neither. Do I play on the wing? The only band that worked in Austin was The Strokes. The defense? Uncoordinated, suffering even in corner kicks and because the two 5s constantly failed.
Enner Valencia‘s wonderful goal is also, paradoxically, a reflection of this worrying presentation, since the attack strategy was the never well-considered shot. Throw the ball up, to see if anyone can figure it out the greatest argument of attack. Ecuador was not, in short, a team that built, but it was hunting for other people’s mistakes.
Maybe what happened in Austin was more mental for some players, by the feeling of being overwhelmed for a team that ran like usain bolt although fortunately without enough class to translate their superiority on the scoreboard. If the rival was France, it would have been devastating.
The big question is whether this will be the approach for the World Cup, whether Ecuador will opt for wait, bite and look for cons. Like any game idea in this sport, it is legal to win with the right players; but, without ball handling and without physical condition, will be insufficient to command respect and win the points. Let’s see what happens with Mexico, in the second friendly of this round.
