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Valencia: Ecuador Can Surprise at World Cup
1 Jul
Summary
- Antonio Valencia believes Ecuador can reach the quarter-finals.
- He names several young stars as proof of Ecuador's quality.
- Valencia urges the team to prove their potential on the pitch.

Antonio Valencia, a celebrated former Manchester United player, expressed pride in the current Ecuadorian national team, believing they possess the quality for a significant World Cup run. He specifically pointed to a core of talented young players, including Pacho, Hincapié, Pervis Estupiñán, Angelo Preciado, Moisés Caicedo, and Plata, as indicators of the team's high caliber.
Valencia envisions Ecuador as a potential surprise package in the 2026 World Cup, with a quarter-final appearance being a realistic aspiration he hopes to see. While acknowledging the presence of strong teams and the need for realism regarding a final appearance, he stressed that the team must demonstrate its capabilities on the pitch. The former winger's optimism stems from the depth of talent within this young squad.