Ecuador

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 38th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished second in CONMEBOL Final Group (9-5-4; 23 GF, 20 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 6-4-4

World Cup final appearances: 1 - 2002

Overall Record in WC: First appearance

Record vs. U.S.: 4-0-3; 8 GF, 2 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 0, Ecuador 0 in Columbus, Ohio; June 7, 2001

Manager: Hernan Dario Gomez (COL) Key Players: Alex Aguinaga (M, Necaxa), Agustin Delgado (F, Southampton), Ulises de la Cruz (D, Hibernian)

Fast Facts: Making their first appearance in a World Cup.... One of four rookie nations in the 2002 tournament (China, Senegal and Slovenia are the others).... Were the darling of 2002 qualifying, finishing in an improbable second place in CONMEBOL.... Led on the field by goalscorer Agustin Delgado and the crafty veteran midfield play of Alex Aguinaga.