Ecuador's World Cup success has roots in Manchester

MANCHESTER: Ecuador coach Luis Suarez has led his country to surprise World Cup success thanks to a pre-tournament fact-finding trip to Manchester United, it was revealed on Saturday.   

The South Americans looked impressive as they booked a place in the last 16 after wins against Poland and Costa Rica.   

But it had been claimed they only qualified for the World Cup because of the advantage of playing their home matches in the thin air of capital city Quito - 2,850 metres above sea level.   

Suarez was determined to ensure his side held their own in Germany and met United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz before the tournament to discuss the best way to cope with European conditions and teams.   

The meeting was set up by Les Dickens, a London-born consultant to the Ecuador football federation.   

Dickens is a long-time friend of Ecuador's Colombian boss and went to Old Trafford with him.   

Dickens said, "Suarez came away with a better understanding of European teams after meeting Queiroz. It was a great learning experience from him and very uplifting. It was important for Suarez going into the greatest tournament in the world to see one of the best training centres anywhere in football. The visit was certainly worthwhile, you just have to look at how Ecuador played when they defeated Poland."    

Ecuador need just a draw from their clash against hosts Germany in Berlin on Tuesday to top Group A and will face either England or Sweden in the last 16.