It was apparent from the moment they walked off the field after their 4-0 defeat to Nigeria that Ecuador were already thinking of their return to action. It will come on Tuesday in a pivotal match-up with New Zealand at CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros.
The South Americans, debutantes at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™, sit second in Group A on three points heading into their group finale with New Zealand, who have one point following their 1-1 draw at Dominican Republic.
The players know that the chance to continue making more history by reaching the knockout stage is there for the taking.
“We have to keep preparing,” said midfielder Fiorella Pico to FIFA following Saturday’s match. “We have one game left against New Zealand. Nothing is lost. We are going to continue with a 100 percent attitude. It would also be historic for Ecuador to go to the next stage, as you say it’s the first U-17 World Cup we’ve played.”
Forward Domenica Arboleda, who came on as a substitute at half-time, knew the going was always going to be tough against Nigeria, but now all that matters is getting ready for New Zealand.
“It was a very difficult game,” said Arboleda to FIFA. “We knew that Nigeria were going to be a tough opponent. They have very effective, fast players. We came in prepared but it didn’t work. But that’s football and now we have to keep preparing ourselves for the match against New Zealand.
“Ecuador is a strong and very solid team and always prepares itself to continue facing things in the best way. We’ll see how it goes for us. We’ll watch [New Zealand’s] game against Dominican Republic and analyze them.”
No matter what happens with Ecuador on Tuesday against the Young Football Ferns and for the remainder of the tournament, this U-17 Women’s World Cup has been a remarkable learning experience for a generation of players looking to change women’s football in their country.
“We are getting a lot of experience,” said Pico. “The group is growing more and more. We are a group of players from 2007-2008 who are going to play another [CONMEBOL Women’s U-17 Championship], some from 2009. These games make us get experience and to continue developing as players.”
