Team: Ecuador

Lack of experience to hurt Ecuador

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Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez
Captain: Ivan Hurtado
Winners: Never - knocked out in group stage in 2002
Pitted against: Germany, Costa Rica and Poland
Prospects: Few. Talk of reaching the last 16 is premature
Odds: 400-1

"In 2002, Ecuador were there to learn. In Germany, we're aiming to carry our country's flag as far as we can," boasted manager Luis Suarez recently. And, if that cry left you in any doubt, an Ecuadorian witch-doctor is visiting all 12 match venues in Germany to banish evil spirits before the tournament starts!, writes Paul O'Hehir

However, Ecuador’s preparations were thrown into disarray recently when team coordinator Vinicio Luna was arrested for allegedly masterminding a scam that involved human trafficking.

Luna, a retired army general, is accused of obtaining false visas for two men who intended to gain entry into the United States and Japan for friendly matches by posing as members of the team’s staff.

The case is under investigation, and Luna could face a prison sentence if found guilty. He has, though, received support from head of the Ecuador Football Association, Luis Chiriboga, who said he would 'put his hand in the fire' for Luna, who has served the national team for eight years.

Suarez, a Colombian, assumed the reigns in 2004 and has made a quick impression. In rebuilding the team, he has discarded many ageing players and replaced them with exciting, young prospects like Christian Lara and Luis Valencia.

Ecuador beat both Brazil and Argentina in qualifying but, that said, both victories came at home at altitude.

Ecuador made their World Cup bow in 2002 but failed to progress from a group containing Italy, Mexico and Croatia, whom they beat 1-0. Their lack of European experience - they've only played three times in Europe - is unlikely to do any favours this time around when Germany and Poland come knocking.

Veteran defender Ivan Hurtado has earned well over 100 caps and will hope to provide a base from which those in front can build upon. Former Southampton striker Augustin Delgado has led the line for years now and is still adored by the fans.

Edison Mendez bagged the winning goal against Croatia four years ago and, accordingly, is Ecuador's only scorer at a World Cup final. Suarez will hope his five goals in qualifying augurs well for the campaign ahead.

World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Edwin Villafuerte (Deportivo Quito), Cristian Mora (LDU), Damian Lanza (Aucas)
Defenders: Ivan Hurtado (Al Arabi, Qatar), Geovanny Espinoza (LDU), Ulises de la Cruz (Aston Villa), Paul Ambrossi (LDU), Neicer Reasco (LDU), Jorge Guagua (El Nacional), Jose Luis Perlaza (Olmedo)
Midfielders: Marlon Ayovi (Deportivo Quito), Edwin Tenorio (Barcelona), Edison Mendez (LDU), Patricio Urrutia (LDU), Cristian Lara (El Nacional), Segundo Castillo (El Nacional), Luis Antonio Valencia (Recreativo Huelva, Spain), Luis Fernando Saritama (Deportivo Quito).
Forwards: Cristian Benitez (El Nacional), Felix Borja (El Nacional), Carlos Tenorio (Al Sadd, Qatar), Agustin Delgado (LDU), Ivan Kaviedes (Argentinos Juniors, Argentina)