Ecuador president expects 'big role' from team in World Cup

Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa said that he expects the national football team to play "a big role" in the FIFA World Cup 2014.

According to the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), "La Tricolor" will travel June 9 to Brazil and play against Switzerland June 15, reports Xinhua.

Ecuador will also face Honduras and France in Group E.

"I do have confidence that we're going to do a great job in the coming World Cup," said Correa in an interview with local media Friday.

"I think we have a great team, but we still need improvement and we do not have much time."

The president, who is a big football fan, said that after watching the last two friendly games against Mexico and England held in the United States, he thought the national team showed some deficiencies.

"We lack a little explosion and surprise, but I have trust in coach Reinaldo. I'm sure he can see the imperfections and make corresponding adjustment in the World Cup," said Correa, who will attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup slated for June 12.

Ecuador lost 1-3 to Mexico in a friendly match played in Arlington, Texas May 31, and drew 2-2 with England at Miami Wednesday.

According to the FEF, the team will travel Monday, June 9, to Brazilian city Viamao, 30 kilometres from Porto Alegre, where their training centre is located.