Brasilia: Switzerland will face Ecuador in their Group E match in the 2014 World Cup at the Estadio Nacional Brasilia on Sunday.Though neither team is tipped to go far in the tournament, advancing to the next round will be considered a small success. From being the bores of the last two World Cups, Switzerland could be one of the draws of the 2014 tournament as retiring coach Ottmar Hitzfeld puts his faith in an exciting younger generation in Brazil.
To say that the Swiss were hard to watch in Germany in 2006 and South Africa in 2010 would be something of an understatement.In 2006, they became the subject of heavy criticism after being eliminated in the last 16 by Ukraine on penalties, failing to score in 120 minutes or even in the shootout. In four games, they managed four goals. "I am convinced we will perform better this time and that we will reach the last 16. Dreams are there to be realized," said retiring coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Meanwhile, Felipe Caicedo will not just shoulder the burden of scoring Ecuador's goals at the World Cup. The barrel-chested striker has also been handed the onerous task of filling the boots, and the No. 11 shirt, of one of the country's favorite footballing sons.
