Ecuador's Beccacece brushes off travel delays & underdog tag ahead of Mexico clash

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ecuador/8tbm8Tri/"]Ecuador[/a] advanced from the ‌group stage after a 2-1 comeback win ‌over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a], having earned one point from ‌their opening two matches. They face a [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mexico/O6iHcNkd/"]Mexico[/a] side who won all three group ‌games, scoring six goals without ⁠conceding.[/p][p][b]"Predictions were burned ‌a long time ago,"[/b] Beccacece said. [b]"They counted us ​out ... Predictions in football don't exist, what exists is what happens ​on the pitch."[/b][/p][p]Ecuador endured a nine-hour travel day ahead of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/ecuador-8tbm8Tri/mexico-O6iHcNkd/?mid=fydIxpfR"]Tuesday's match[/a]. [b]"The ⁠team had planned ​to arrive at 5 p.m. However, we arrived at 8:20 p.m. We don't know the reason for the delay,"[/b] Beccacece ‌said.[/p][image alt="Ecuador's recent form" id="f31c56a6-da4a-4a86-90dd-d373f0b6438c" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="40e6d9d0-c867-4e28-98ac-ce8157592eee" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p]Despite the logistical issues, the coach declined to use the journey as an excuse. [b]"We go, we compete, and we play - no complaints or excuses. I am grateful. We might have tired features, but how could I be upset about being in a World Cup?"[/b] he ‌added.[/p][p]The Azteca Stadium's high altitude and ​a hostile home crowd add to ‌Ecuador's challenge in breaking down Mexico's defence.[/p][p][b]"Mexico has a great fortress in this mythical stadium ... Things are always difficult for us, so we take it ⁠as a beautiful ⁠challenge,"[/b] Beccacece said.[/p][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]