Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece bids emotional farewell after World Cup exit

[p]Despite entering the ‌knockout stage with renewed momentum following a dramatic comeback victory over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]‌Germany[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ecuador/8tbm8Tri/"]Ecuador[/a] could not overcome [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mexico/O6iHcNkd/"]Mexico[/a]'s fast start and ‌flawless defensive record.[/p][p][b]"Our contract ended with the World Cup. I don't think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to ‌make this the best World Cup ⁠ever. Today it's my turn ‌to say goodbye," [/b]Beccacece said after their defeat at a deafening ​Azteca Stadium.[/p][p]"That's why I have to leave. I would have liked to continue because what I ​received from the players and the management warranted the possibility of continuing. But I understand how this works and ⁠it hurts, but I ​think the decision was clear."[/p][p]Beccacece acknowledged his team were frustrated by an energised Mexican side, who dominated the opening 45 minutes.[/p][p][b]"We were outplayed in the first half,[/b]" he said.[/p][p]Ecuador ‌improved after the break and enjoyed more possession as they searched for a way back into the contest, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/ecuador-8tbm8Tri/mexico-O6iHcNkd/?mid=fydIxpfR"]but Mexico's defence held firm[/a].[/p][p][b]"We fought back, but we couldn't find the goal that would have given us a boost," [/b]Beccacece added.[/p][p]Despite the pain of elimination, the Argentine manager chose to focus on the deep bond forged with his squad and the country during their journey.[/p][p]Asked about the ‌legacy he leaves behind, Beccacece deflected the praise to his ​squad.[/p][p][b]"The legacy is from the players, because they have ‌been the youngest team of Ecuador," [/b]he said.[/p][p]"I have no complaints, only gratitude to the people and the players," he said. "I received so much gratitude and affection from the bottom of my heart. The boys ⁠gave me two beautiful ⁠hours after the match ‌and that's what we're left with."[/p][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]