Ecuador came back and beat Uruguay 2-1 at the Rodrigo Paz Stadium in Quito for the second date of the South American Qualifiers towards the 2026 World Cup.
Those led by Félix Sánchez Bas were obliged to win and they achieved it in a complicated match against Uruguay.
Ecuador started better with high and continuous pressure to not let the visitor leave. With that attitude, Félix Sánchez’s team tried to get ahead on the scoreboard.
Despite this superiority, Ecuador could not open the scoring and it was the visit that achieved it through Agustín Canobbio.
That’s when it appeared Félix Torres to equalize the score following a corner kick from Moisés Caicedo, which propelled the local team to victory.
The southern team did not stop marching and the figure of Kendry Páez appeared in the game, after a great play with Caicedo. The 16-year-old youth took a cross into the heart of the area and Torres scored again.
Ecuador coach happy for his first victory
For the Spanish Félix Sánchez Bas, the victory will give the emotional boost they needed, plus he believes they did what was necessary to achieve it.
“We started in a good way and with a mistake on our part they scored a goal for us. It was a hard blow, but tying before the first half was over was key, I think.. In the second half we came out with the same attitude, we created scoring opportunities, we converted and they tried to equalize, but we were solid. Congratulate the players on the great game,” he stated.
“We plan every game and it is important. I think this first victory will go very well for us emotionally. I think that each victory must be valued, enjoyed and prepared for the two games we have next month,” he added.
At the same time, Sánchez called for calm, to enjoy the victory, but with tranquility. He also once again highlighted the winning mentality of the Tricolor footballers, not only those who have just played in Qatar 2022, but also those who have been added to the group.
“In the short time we have, they have adapted to what is asked of them. We have been very calm after the game with Argentina. You simply have to value each match and each result appropriately. After a defeat you have to prepare and the boys have shown to be very strong mentally because it was not an easy game and they pulled through,” he argued.
“Many come from playing in a World Cup, with a winning mentality trying to compete against all rivals and they have shown it once again. Those who joined the group now are along the same lines, they all want to be here and do something great for the country by reaching a World Cup,” he concluded.
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