Ecuador's Beccacece brushes off travel delays & underdog tag ahead of Mexico clash

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece during the press conference
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece during the press conferenceREUTERS / Henry Romero

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece ⁠dismissed concerns over travel fatigue and his team's underdog status on Monday ahead ‌of their World Cup round of 32 match ‌against co-hosts Mexico.

Ecuador advanced from the ‌group stage after a 2-1 comeback win ‌over Germany, having earned one point from ‌their opening two matches. They face a Mexico side who won all three group ‌games, scoring six goals without ⁠conceding.

"Predictions were burned ‌a long time ago," Beccacece said. "They counted us ​out ... Predictions in football don't exist, what exists is what happens ​on the pitch."

Ecuador endured a nine-hour travel day ahead of Tuesday's match. "The ⁠team had planned ​to arrive at 5 p.m. However, we arrived at 8:20 p.m. We don't know the reason for the delay," Beccacece ‌said.

Ecuador's recent form
Ecuador's recent formFlashscore

Despite the logistical issues, the coach declined to use the journey as an excuse. "We go, we compete, and we play - no complaints or excuses. I am grateful. We might have tired features, but how could I be upset about being in a World Cup?" he ‌added.

The Azteca Stadium's high altitude and ​a hostile home crowd add to ‌Ecuador's challenge in breaking down Mexico's defence.

"Mexico has a great fortress in this mythical stadium ... Things are always difficult for us, so we take it ⁠as a beautiful ⁠challenge," Beccacece said.

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