Let’s remind you, before the World Cup in Qatar 2022, there was a lot of discussion in our community, as usual, about who should be invited to the final list. And the degree of internal debate was such that Ecuador was the last team to confirm its official list. The roster brought with it several confirmations about the way of thinking and decision-making of DT Gustavo Alfaro.

It was seen that the Argentine always had a defensive preference, but he failed when it came to selecting players capable of organizing an offensive version. It was striking that he included very light footballers such as Jeremy Sarmiento, Ayrton Preciado – he had almost no activity in the Mexican tournament – and for the final task he brought in Djorkaeff Reasco and Michael Estrada, neither of whom were on a scoring streak; Enner Valencia, the only one with attacking credibility, and surprised Kevin Rodríguez, Imbabura striker in Serie B. That call weakened the belief that Alfaro was independent at the time of the call.

Reflections on the victory against Uruguay

Alfaro insisted after the World Cup qualifiers that he would give priority to players who were part of the qualifying cycle, which in the end he did not do and paid dearly for his mistake of not taking Jordy Caicedo or Leonardo Campano, who he needed, especially in the decisive game against Senegal (Ecuador lost 2-1 and was eliminated from the World Cup).

Silence is an accomplice in our football

The hiring of Spaniard Félix Sánchez Bas for the process towards the 2026 World Cup was surprising, although it is true that he had a long career in the lower leagues of FC Barcelona and then joined the Aspire Academy in Qatar, in 2007, where he managed the under-19 team and senior team. With that country, he won the Asian Championship in 2019, until the 2022 World Cup arrived, where the hosts were a complete failure with no victory and last place.

José Pileggi, president of Emelec, must react now, not the day after tomorrow!

The first presentations of Ecuador under the orders of Sánchez Bas against Australia showed contradictions in the game, considering that they lost 3-1 in the debut, and won 2-1 in the second meeting with the same opponent. The Tricolor was confused and unsettled in the premiership, with a different defensive design – a line of three – than what it has always used. And offensively, he had a very poor performance; The goal was scored by defender Félix Torres in an isolated game. In the second friendly match, the attacking deficit was visible. Goals from defender Pervis Estupiñán and William Pach brought victory, but it was clear that the national team still depended on Enner Valencia and his ability to score.

Great strikers who shone in Guayaquil

In the previous FIFA term in June, the national team beat Costa Rica and Bolivia, but both sparring partners were very limited in terms of football. Ecuador won comfortably, with a satisfactory performance and no important conclusions.

Until the official qualifying matches arrived. Visiting Argentina, the world champion, then in Quito, against the renewed Uruguay of Marcelo Bielsa. Although the result in Buenos Aires was a narrow defeat, the tactical system and strategy were stingy. The defense stood out, but the attack was very bad.

Against the Uruguayans, Sánchez Bas necessarily modified the strategy. The starting role of the young player Kendry Páez, who played a very good game, was surprising, but the offensive department failed again. On that occasion, Johan Julio followed Enner Valencia as the second striker, but it didn’t work out. And the variants had no impact. Again, the defender – Félix Torres – scored two goals with which Ecuador won 2-1.

Again, questions arose regarding the issue of calls. Why doesn’t Sánchez Bas expand the number of players, as all teams do, and limit himself to the prescribed minimum of 23 players? And why, if you know that the offensive deficit is notorious, do you not consider forwards like Jordy Caicedo, who has acceptable games in Atlas? In Mexico, he shows his goal-scoring ability, and he is also a player with a privileged physique who could offer our team a condition that it does not have today.

Another case is Leonardo Campana, who with his performances at Inter Miami confirms that he has increased his performance. He is technically gifted, has a goal-scoring nose and a header that is worth noting. Also to be considered, at least for analysis, is what Ronie Carrillo, now at Portimonense in Portugal, could contribute; and it is even less clear what the indifference of Sánchez Bas towards Miguel Parrales, the best scorer of the Pro League in the 2023 edition. I don’t mention.

Félix Sánchez Bas cannot complain that there are no more alternatives to attack because they exist or will he continue to insist on the same ones that have failed? It is very difficult for these same strikers to be the ones to solve the minus that the national team has when it comes to goals.

A few days ago in the show Los commentadores, on Radio Caravana, a poll was opened for listeners to give their opinion on who should accompany Enner Valencia in the Tri Offensive. With almost 900 participants, the result was as follows: 64% chose Campana, 27% said Jordy Caicedo, 5% voted for Jhojan Julio and 4% voted for Kevin Rodríguez. Undoubtedly, it is an important sample for drawing conclusions, at least reference ones, about the fan perception of this topic.

The third term of the playoffs is approaching. On Thursday, October 12, Ecuador will visit Bolivia, the worst team in the tournament, which lost 5-1 away to Brazil and 3-0 at home against Argentina in two presentations. Coach Gustavo Costas noted, paradoxically, that he will be favored in the next games because he will have more time to train, given that Bolivia’s championship was interrupted by complaints being investigated for corruption and match-fixing.

In Argentina’s victory in La Paz, coach Leonel Scaloni did not use Lionel Messi, but used all available offensive artillery: Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, Alexis Mac Allister and others.

Argentina gave weak Bolivia a run for their money as they were bold in attack. Let it be a warning that Sánchez Bas is forced to propose; but to do that they have to have attacking players and not alienate a single attacker, if they want the three points they need Three (due to the deduction of three units imposed on them by TAS and more because in the next game, against Colombia on October 17 in Quito, the national team will must be offensively strong and purposeful).

The Spanish coach has the opportunity to present a selection that offers a new offensive version. It is up to him and his coaching staff to decide who will accompany striker Enner Valencia. We will find out very soon. (OR)