Beccacece, however, argued that despite the loss, Ecuador still have two more games to qualify for the knockout stages.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ecuador coach, Sebastián Beccacece, has rued the stunning 90th-minute strike which ensured his team’s narrow 1-0 loss against Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener.
The 45-year-old Argentine tactician made this known during his post-match interview at the Philadelphia Stadium in the United States.
In the encounter played in the early hours of Monday, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to give the West Africans all three points against the South Americans.
The forward opened his left foot to divert the ball into the corner with a stunning finish after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo.
The victory gives Emerse Faé’s side a huge chance to qualify from Group E and reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
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Speaking after the match, Beccacece maintained that he made all the necessary adjustments in the second half to secure at least a draw against Ivory Coast.
While acknowledging that Ivory Coast are a very “strong opponent”, he insisted that his side still have two more games to qualify for the knockout stages.
He said: “In the second half, we made the necessary adjustments and were in control enough to secure at least a draw.
“We put in a tremendous effort against a strong opponent. The final result wasn’t what we wanted, but it’s just the beginning, and we have to keep working.”
Ecuador will now face Curaçao in their next fixture in Group E, while Ivory Coast will take on Germany.
