Plata and Valencia called up by Ecuador; Flamengo absentees | OneFootball

Duo will represent Ecuador in friendlies against South Korea and Japan during this FIFA international window

Flamengo announced, before the match against Red Bull Bragantino, that Gonzalo Plata had been called up to the Ecuador national team. As a result, Anthony Valencia also made coach Marcelo Gallardo’s squad list. However, the pair are not the only players in the rubro-negro squad called up during this FIFA international window. “Plata called up! The Mengão forward, Gonzalo Plata, will represent the Most Beloved at the Ecuador national team in the friendlies against South Korea, Japan and Panama or New Zealand, depending on the result against the Japanese. Congratulations, Platita!,” the club posted.

“Anthony Valencia with the national team! The Flamengo signing, Valencia was also called up to represent the Ecuador national team during this FIFA international window! Go get them, Valencia!,” Flamengo posted.

What are Ecuador’s fixtures during this FIFA international window?

The first friendly will take place on September 24 against South Korea in Suwon. After that, Ecuador will face Japan on October 1 in Yokohama in the Kirin Cup. Therefore, the result against the Japanese will still determine the Ecuador national team’s third opponent. The final rival could be Panama or New Zealand, depending on the team’s performance in the tournament.

How did Plata and Valencia fare at the World Cup?

Ecuador played in the 2026 World Cup in Group E. The national team lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast and drew 0-0 with Curaçao and Germany. As a result, the Ecuadorian side was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament. Plata and Valencia were among those called up for that World Cup. However, the new call-up shows the coaching staff’s confidence in the duo even after the early elimination.

Which other Flamengo players were called up during this FIFA international window?

Arrascaeta and Varela will also be absent from Flamengo during the training period, both having been called up by Uruguay. Pedro and Samuel Lino, meanwhile, are part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for Brazil’s friendlies against Australia and India.

However, not every player in the squad received good news during this window. Carrascal was left out of Colombia’s squad list. Jorginho was also not called up by Italy, just as De La Cruz was left out of Uruguay’s list.

When and where to watch Flamengo vs. Bragantino?

Flamengo take the field this Sunday (20) against Red Bull Bragantino in the 28th round of the Brasileirão. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. Even so, the absences caused by the FIFA international window will only affect the club after the clash with the São Paulo side.

What is the author’s opinion on the call-ups?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.