The triumph against Australia was not by chance
The triumph against Australia was not by chance. Beyond the fact that the goals came early, the majority of the Ecuadorian starters have a special bond: they play for Independiente del Valle. And FIFA.com highlights that.
They practically make up the foundation of the National Team. Nine out of twenty-one players (42.85%) called up for the U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 have an IDV membership card.
Yesterday, eight players who took the field at the Estadio Olímpico de Goiania to face the oceanic team in the opening game were "young promises from Independiente del Valle," the FIFA website highlights.
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The goalkeeper Joan López, the defenders Hanssel Delgado, Piero Hincapié, Jhoanner Chávez and Roberto Cabezas, the midfielders Patrickson Delgado, Marco Angulo and Pedro Vite, and the forward Adrián Mejía represent the black and blue club.
The national delegation is complemented by players from Aucas, Liga de Quito, Liga de Portoviejo, Orense, Manta, Macará, Universidad Católica, Emelec, Barcelona SC, Panama, and Delfin. The coach is Javier Rodríguez.
"I think that some of the experiences we share at Independiente have helped us a lot in the national team. Of course, we were also inspired by the first team's qualification for a final (of the 2019 Copa Sudamericana), that was very exciting," said goalkeeper and team captain Joan López to FIFA.com, after the 2-1 victory over Australia.
The goalkeeper mentioned that this group has been working together for a year during this cycle. "We know each other perfectly and we are prepared for whatever comes," he concluded. (D)