WORLD CUP 2006
Ecuador - Tactics
|
“Nowadays,” says coach Luis Fernando Suarez, “any side can complicate matters by packing the midfield with battlers. A good team is one that attacks and defends well down the flanks.” This is what his side seek to do.
Suarez’s predecessor, Hernan Dario Gomez, began the move away from the traditional slow build-up style, in which everything goes through the No 10. Suarez has taken the trend further, with his side now aiming to move the ball forward more quickly still. Ecuador close down the centre of midfield with two tough markers and strike quickly down the wings, with the full-backs expected to link up with the wide midfielders and get in position to give forward Agustin Delgado a supply of crosses. The long-range shooting of midfielders Edison Mendez and Luis Valencia is another frequent source of goals. The pair often switch flanks in search of space.
Suarez says his principal doubt is who should partner Delgado up front. Cristhian Benitez provides penetration in wide areas, Felix Borja and Carlos Tenorio possess goal power in their own right, and Ivan Kaviedes can both score himself and set up chances for Delgado.
Another, more cautious option would be to play 4-5-1. Neicer Reasco would come in at left-back, with Paul Ambrossi pushed up the line to midfield, Valencia would stick to the right and Mendez would come into the hole behind Delgado.
Concern about the aerial power of European opponents may make Suarez reluctant to defend too deep, but the back line could be caught square if they push higher up the field.
Newsletter
