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World Cup: Ecuador boss Reinaldo Rueda rues naivety after Switzerland defeat

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19:  Reinaldo Rueda, manager of the Ecuador national team, against Honduras during an international friendly match at BBVA Compass S
Image: Reinaldo Rueda: Upset after Ecuador’s 2-1 loss to Switzerland

Reinaldo Rueda felt that Ecuador were made to pay for letting their emotions get the better of them after a late 2-1 defeat by Switzerland.

The Group E opener looked set to finish 1-1 after Enner Valencia’s opener was cancelled out by Admir Mehmedi, but Haris Seferovic netted an injury-time winner for the Swiss after a frantic finish.

Ecuador had charged up the pitch moments earlier in pursuit of their own goal and were caught on the counter-attack after Michael Arroyo was tackled by Valon Behrami.

"We lost our organisation, which has been one of our characteristics, at the end of the match, we were somewhat betrayed by our emotion," Rueda told reporters.      

"This provoked the goal which took the draw away from us. I believe a moment of naivety costs us the match."

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Rueda was satisfied with Ecuador’s performance but now has to pick up his players quickly ahead of their second group game against Honduras on Friday.

"It was an intense game and I think it was very even, both sides moved the ball around well," said Rueda, who coached Honduras when they drew 0-0 with Switzerland at the 2010 World Cup.

"Football is like that, the result wasn't really what we deserved. We now have to get over this defeat and work on our morale."    

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