Quito, Ecuador June 20, 2006
Jason Halberstadt

Having already qualified for the next round of the final 16 teams at the World Cup, Ecuador had little to lose, and lose they did. The Ecuadorian squad played at a lethargic pace, and the German machine, with national pride on the line, dominated the South Americans, allowing few threats on goal.

England tied Sweden, putting the Brits on top of Group B, and matched against Ecuador on Sunday.

Shutting out both Poland (2-0) and Costa Rica (3-0), the Ecuadorian squad showed definitively that they are a threat to be rekoned with.

Brits residing in Ecuador are a bit uneasy about the matchup, as going against the Tricolor in Ecuador is treason of the highest degree as the entire country is dressed in yellow and obsessed with the national team.

Ecuador's Luis Valencia is leading the results for FIFA Best Young Player Award. Vote for this up and coming Ecuadorian star here.

Read about Ecuador's crushing defeat of Costa Rica.