Ecuador will likely be overpowered in its first Women's World Cup
Ecuador is playing in its first World Cup. A passionate team motivated by being a historic group, it will undoubtedly struggle against Japan and Switzerland, teams with far more talent, experience and depth. The team does have "Nothing will stop us" as its slogan heading into Canada, so the players are certainly empowered if nothing else.
Key Players
Giannina Lattanzio. Lattanzio has a knack for scoring goals and should be Ecuador's primary threat. The striker led her team in qualifiers and will be key in their attack this summer. If Ecuador has any hope of escaping group play, Lattanzio will have her three best performances she's ever had.
Monica Quiteros. Quiteros' goal in the 1-0 playoff win against Trinidad and Tobago sent Ecuador to the World Cup. The team will look to her as a leader and an attacker to pressure defenses. She will have to be at her best if this team has any hope of winning a game or two in group play.
About the team
Coach: Vanessa Arauz
Ecuador is already making history. Not only is it playing in its first World Cup, but Arauz, 26, will be the youngest coach in the tournament. Considered a pioneer, she was the only female in her coaching class in Ecuador and graduated with the second-highest marks.
How they qualified: Beat Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff game after falling short in the Women's Copa America qualifier
Number of appearances: 1
FIFA world ranking: No. 48
Fast fact: Ecuador's name comes from the equator, which divides the country — unequally — putting most of the country in the Southern Hemisphere.
Schedule
June 8; 6 p.m., Cameroon, Vancouver
June 12; 6 p.m.; Switzerland, Vancouver
June 16; 3 p.m.; Japan, Winnipeg