By Natalia Siniawski
MEXICO CITY, June 29 (Reuters) - Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece dismissed concerns over travel fatigue and his team's underdog status on Monday ahead of their World Cup round of 32 match against co-hosts Mexico.
Ecuador advanced from the group stage after a 2-1 comeback win over Germany, having earned one point from their opening two matches. They face a Mexico side who won all three group games, scoring six goals without conceding.
• "Predictions were burned a long time ago,"
Beccacece said. "They counted us out ... Predictions in football don't exist, what exists is what happens on the pitch."
• Ecuador endured a nine-hour travel day ahead of Tuesday's match. "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," Beccacece said.
• Despite the logistical issues, the coach declined to use the journey as an excuse. "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?" he added.
• The Azteca Stadium's high altitude and a hostile home crowd add to Ecuador's challenge in breaking down Mexico's defence.
• "Mexico has a great fortress in this mythical stadium ... Things are always difficult for us, so we take it as a beautiful challenge," Beccacece said.
(Reporting by Natalia Siniawski in Mexico City;Editing by Peter Rutherford)
