PHILADELPHIA (AP) — South American teams have got off to disappointing start to the World Cup, failing to produce a win in three games. Ecuador lost to Ivory Coast 1-0 on Sunday in Philadelphia. Brazil drew 1–1 with Morocco on Saturday, and Paraguay was routed 4–1 by tournament co-host the United States. Comments from coaches after the underwhelming results struck a similar tone.Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece called it a “very painful situation.” Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro referred to his team’s loss as a “very painful lesson.”Coach Carlo Ancelotti said five-time World Cup champion Brazil cannot lose heart: “You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.” Uruguay plays its first game Monday against Saudi Arabia, defending champion Argentina takes on Algeria on Tuesday and Colombia is against Uzbekistan on Wednesday.South America has a proud soccer tradition, and is the only continent other than Europe to produce World Cup champions.
The slow start to the tournament of some South American nations contrasts to a solid opening performance by North American teams on home soil.“The U.S. won this match very clearly and fairly,” Alfaro said after Paraguay’s opening loss. “They dominated tactically, technically and physically as well. They have answers to everything you throw at them.”
