They took full advantage of playing home matches at altitude in their Olimpico Atahualpa Stadium which is a 9,350 feet above sea level.

However, by stark contrast, their away record in qualifying was poor with just one win in eight games which came in La Paz, Bolivia - the highest capital city in the world.

Their overall record in qualifying means they have moved up the FIFA rankings from 71 to 39 in the world in the past two years. This is only Ecuador's second appearance at the World Cup Finals - they were knocked out at the group stage four years ago.

Coach: Luis Fernandez Suarez
One to watch: Edison Mendez
World ranking: 39
Previous tournaments: 1
Best finish: Group stage (2002)