Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador’s exuberant coach behind the Germany upset | OneFootball

Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador’s exuberant coach of two years, dominated the stage in the 2-1 defeat of Germany at MetLife Stadium, Gonzalo Plata striking the winner to send La Tri into the World Cup last 16.

According to L'Équipe, he is only the second man to take Ecuador into a World Cup knockout phase after Luis Fernando Suarez in 2006. The result followed a 0-1 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the 90th minute and a 0-0 draw with Curaçao.

On the touchline he waved, argued, sprinted and even climbed a barrier to celebrate, later saying he headed into the stands to embrace his wife, whose sacrifices he wanted to honour, calling the moment unplanned and driven by emotion.

On the eve of the match he conceded he had not connected with Ecuador’s fans and said he had to accept that perception amid mounting criticism.

The 45-year-old quit a modest playing career in 2002, then became Jorge Sampaoli’s long-time assistant from 2003 in Peru and Chile, helping Chile reach the 2014 last 16 and win the 2015 Copa América.

A disciple of Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, he even has a large back tattoo built around a football, featuring Bielsa and personal tributes.

As a head coach he impressed at Defensa y Justicia and Racing Club, fared less well at Independiente, then moved to Elche in 2023 with relegation and a failed promotion bid. Appointed by Ecuador in August 2024, his side held Brazil 0-0 and beat Argentina 1-0 before defeating Germany.

Source: L'Équipe