Three-time World Cupper Austin Okocha has noted that Brighton & Hove defender Pervis Estupiñán is one of the big names in the Ecuador squad, minutes before the South American nation's 2022 World Cup opener against hosts Qatar.

Ecuador are back in the World Cup finals, eight years on from their last appearance in the tournament. 

The Tricolors manager Gustavo Alfaro can count on the services of three players with Premier League experience in Brighton & Hove's Pervis Estupiñán, Jeremy Sarmiento and Moisés Caicedo.

The highly regarded Estupiñán has the nod to start Ecuador's first game at the 2022 World Cup, in a left-back role. 

Okocha pointed out that Estupiñán is a modern day fullback and he'll be key to Ecuador's  hopes of getting something from the game. 

Speaking on SuperSport just before kickoff, Okocha said  on Estupiñán : "Football  has changed. In modern football they call them attacking left backs, they have been given the license to go forward when necessary and it's all about getting the balance, knowing when to go forward and when to sit back. 

"His experience in the Premier League speaks volumes so it's always good to be playing competitively. It gives you that edge when you come up against a team like  the Qataris."
 

Ecuador thought they had opened the scoring through Enner Valencia's header in the third minute but it was relief for Qatar as the goal was disallowed due to an offside call following a VAR review. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : fef.ec

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