PHILADELPHIA: 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 were routed 4–1 by tournament co-host the US.
Comments from coaches after the underwhelming results struck a similar tone.
Ecuador coach Sebastian 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 champions Brazil cannot lose heart: “You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”
