Gomez - still hoping side can go through (Allsport)
GOMEZ DRINKING IN LAST-CHANCE SALOON
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Hernan Dario Gomez speaks like a beaten man,
but he is hanging onto a desperate hope that Ecuador can reach the World Cup's
second round.
The coach accepts his team have been shown up for their lack of experience at
the finals, their first, yet a big win against Croatia could see them sneak
through with just three points.
His players did some light training on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday's match, as Gomez
believes they are struggling to cope with the tournament's pressures.
They must win and hope Mexico defeat Italy to stand any chance of progressing
and Gomez said: "I'm not adding pressure to the players. I'm avoiding the
tactical work because I see they are too nervous, and that has played against
us."
He is unlikely to make many personnel changes for the Yokohama match, but
wishes he could add top-level know-how to his team.
"A World Cup is very tough, and we need to add experience," Gomez
continued.
"We don't have some things that you need in a competition like this one.
"But nobody has destroyed us. We haven't won yet but nobody has ridiculed us.
It's just that my players have paid the price for playing their first World Cup
ever. They didn't have the confidence and security needed. I hope to defeat
Croatia to give some happiness to the Ecuadorian people."
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