According to Reinaldo Rueda, head coach of the Ecuadorian national team, his team must play perfectly against France on Wednesday. Rueda made this statement at the press conference in “Maracana”. Defender Frickson Erazo did not attend the press conference, despite it was announced. Rueda did not explain the reason for his absence. As for the fact that his team did not practice in “Maracana”, Rueda noted they did not want to damage the surface.
According to Rueda, the team is prepared to play tough opponent. He hopes Wednesday will be a lucky day for the Ecuadorians and they will go on playing at World Cup.
The Colombian specialist stated France played very efficiently and aggressively in the previous two matches. According to Rueda, it is a great honor for his country to play against France which has won World Cup.
The coach was asked about the victory of Uruguay over Italy and he highlighted that success of the Uruguayans showed strength of the South American football. Rueda expressed hope that his team will also go this way.
Ecuador will play with almost same composition. The coach will work on strategy with football players because the upcoming match is different from the previous ones. Rueda explained he had seen lots of matches of France and made analysis of their playing. According to the coach, France has players who have a great talent of scoring goals.
Erazo plays for “Flamengo” and according to the coach in “Maracana” he will try to achieve the same success as in the Brazilian club.
Rueda did not hide that Ecuador must play ideally to make through to the next round. He did not exclude to change tactic. The players of Rueda are going to fight till the end because victory is important for them.
Christian Benitez, late football player of the Ecuadorian national team, was mentioned at the press conference. Rueda stated Benitez who wanted to play at World Cup is still in their hearts. However, the team will not use it for extra motivation because Benitez is a part of the team and everybody remembers him.
Rueda also noted five South American teams overcame the group stage and Ecuador wants to be the sixth. According to the Colombian, Latin American countries are dominating in the current championship.



Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro