Despite Énner Valencia’s knee sprain, Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro expects his goalscorer to play in the decisive group game against Senegal.
“He has this knee sprain, that’s a fact. But he has a big heart and he wants to be in every battle,” Alfaro said in Al-Rajjan.
If 33-year-old Valencia also scores Ecuador’s next goal on Tuesday (4 p.m. / Magenta TV), it would be a record for his country with seven World Cup goals in a row. So far he is level with Eusebio (1966), Paolo Rossi (1982) and Oleg Salenko (1994) with six consecutive World Cup goals.
But there is more at stake for Ecuador on Tuesday. “We want to play the best World Cup in Ecuador’s history. We want to see more games here,” Alfaro continued.
At least a draw against Senegal is necessary to secure entry into a World Cup round of 16 for the first time since 2006 in Germany. But according to Alfaro, the Ecuadorians, who have been strong in Qatar so far, also want to play for a win against Senegal, who must win to be sure of reaching the round of 16. “But without a doubt it will be the most difficult game for us at this World Cup so far. I expect a very high level of intensity,” said the Ecuador coach.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, Argentinian Alfaro is delighted with his side’s performance so far. “This national team has a great future,” said the 60-year-old.