June 15, 2026
Coach Sebastian Beccacece cut a frustrated figure after Ecuador's 19-match unbeaten run ended with a late 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast on Sunday, saying his side had done enough to win their World Cup opener.
Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to give the Ivorians all three points in their Group E clash after Ecuador had dominated long spells of the game, hit the woodwork three times and squandered several clear opportunities.
"It hurts because it was an unfair defeat," Beccacece told reporters.
"I think there are very strong arguments to clearly show that the team competed very well, had the clearest chances and could have won the match, but because of one detail at the end, we leave with nothing."
