Vizuete out as coach after Ecuador eliminated in World Cup qualifying

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QUITO, Ecuador (AP) -- Sixto Vizuete is out as the coach of Ecuador following a 1-0 loss to Chile, which ended its hope of qualifying for the World Cup.

Luis Chiriboga, the head of the Ecuador Football Federation, said Thursday that Vizuete's contract was to expire at the end of the World Cup, or once the team was eliminated in qualifying.

A candidate being mentioned to replace Vizuete was Argentine Edgrado Bauza, who coached Liga de Quito to the Copa Libertadores title in 2008.

Ecuador finished sixth in South American qualifying. Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina finished in the top four and earned automatic berths to South Africa next year. Uruguay faces a playoff against Costa Rica in November for another place.

Had Ecuador beaten Chile, it would have been guaranteed at least fifth place and a playoff.

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