Ecuador’s World Cup qualification campaign began with a three-point deduction slapped on them back in 2022 for fielding Colombia-born Byron Castillo, who Chile claimed was ineligible to play the qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar.
They began the 2026 qualifiers under Felix Sanchez, who guided them to three wins from six matches before the former Qatar boss was dismissed in July 2024, straight after a Copa America quarter-final defeat by Argentina.
“They lost the shootout, and Sanchez was sacked in the dressing room after the game,” South American football expert Tim Vickery told BBC Sport.
“They treat their coaches with great harshness.”
Beccacece reign began with a 1-0 defeat by Brazil but his side did not lose again in 11 matches as they qualified for the World Cup as runners-up in South America – only behind the Selecao.
It meant they arrived at the tournament with high expectations and boasting a 19-game unbeaten run.
But it was far from the start they or their supporters had hoped for.
A last-gasp 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in the opener was followed by a humiliating goalless draw with debutants Curacao – which turned the fans against the coach.
“I am very sorry I didn’t make it to the heart of the Ecuadorean fan,” he had said.
“For the fans who don’t know me, I think I didn’t quite click with them. There is something they don’t like with me and that is fine.”
After no playing career of note, Beccacece earned his reputation as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli during Chile’s era of success a decade ago – helping them to reach the 2014 World Cup and secure their first-ever Copa America title in 2015.
He was also Sampaoli’s assistant at the 2018 World Cup with Argentina while he was in charge of Spanish side Elche before joining Ecuador.
Having now masterminded Ecuador’s turnaround at the World Cup, the 45-year-old has perhaps achieved the biggest feat of his managerial career.
“We never feel like we are in hell, nor do we feel like we are in heaven,” he said after beating Germany.
“We have our feet grounded on earth and we feel and think in the right manner.”
