Ecuador have always been in the footballing shadows of fellow South Americans Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia…the list is lengthy. However, the tiny nation, a population of less than 20 million, and the third-youngest side here (average age of 25.6 years, behind Ghana 24.7 and USA 25.2) gave a good account of themselves before making an exit after suffering a 1-2 defeat to African champions Senegal at the Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday. 

Ismaila Sarr (44th minute) opened the scoring for Senegal from the penalty spot before Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo (67th) scored the equaliser. Kalidou Koulibaly (70th) then netted the winner to send the Africans through to the next round where they will meet England on Sunday.