Valderrama on Ecuador

Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama had a few things to say this week about Ecuador’s chances at Germany 2006. “El Pibe”, known for his spectacular midfield play as well as his Sideshow Bob hairdo, says he knows what La Tri need to do to survive past the group stage.

Valderrama noted that while Ecuador “are the least experienced of the [South American] sides and will probably have more of a struggle,” they have “talent and team spirit, though, and that’s very important.”

When asked which of the four South American sides in the World Cup he would most like to give advice to, he chose Ecuador: “I would tell them to make sure they don’t lose their opening game. That’s the most important thing if you want to advance to the next round. I’m delighted for them that they’ve avoided Germany in the first game. It would have been very tough to start off against the hosts and one of the tournament favorites.”

Easier said than done, but hard to argue with the logic. And El Pibe should know: when Colombia went to USA 1994 with what Valerrama believes was the best national team iteration he played for, the Colombians lost both of their opening games. It’s bad enough to lose to Romania and George Hagi 1-3, but to the USA 1-2? Ouch.