Ecuador captain and top scorer Enner Valencia has begged his compatriots for forgiveness after their elimination from the Qatar 2022 World Cup by Senegal.
The South Americans needed a draw yesterday to advance to the round of 16 but they were beaten 2-1 by the African champions, who instead took the second spot in Group A behind Holland.
Valencia, who scored three of Ecuador’s four goals in Qatar, is apologetic and not sure if he will be around in four years time for another shot at the global showpiece.
“I’m sorry. Unfortunately we didn’t live up to Ecuador’s expectations,” the 33-year-old Fenerbahce forward said in the mixed zone as tears rolled down his cheeks.
“It’s a very difficult moment, we weren’t expecting this. We were very happy and enthusiastic about what we’d been doing. We apologise to all of Ecuador.”
Ecuador head coach Gustavo Alfaro believed ‘little details’ and inexperience played a big role in his side’s damaging first and only defeat of the tournament.
“It’s a big blow and extremely frustrating,” he said at the press conference after the game. “Details can make the difference and that’s exactly what happened.
“The team played with the right commitment in the second half.
“We lacked the experience to control the tempo after the goal. It was little details. Senegal’s second goal hurt us because the team was doing well on the pitch.
“This is a young crop of players, a team with more of a future than a present. Hopefully these battles will serve them well in the future. I have no doubt that these boys will get their revenge one day.”
