Gomez - loved by his players (Allsport).

By Reece Killworth, Sportinglife.com

Whatever happens in the Far East, Hernan Dario Gomez's second World Cup appearance will earn him a place in footballing history.

The Colombian - who led his native country to the last World Cup - is the first man to lead Ecuador in to the finals and he is determined to enjoy the occasion after an up-and-down year in 2001.

In the middle of the CONMEBOL qualifiers - and just two months after his side had beaten Brazil - Gomez was shot in the leg at a hotel.

He returned to his native Colombia to consider his future, but returned after his entire squad threatened to retire if the Ecuadorian Federation failed to convince the man they call "Bollilo" to stay on.

That incident brought the Ecuadorian squad together and their unbreakable team spirit saw them finish second in qualifying - behind only Argentina and ahead of fellow World Cup hopefuls Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

As well as their spirit, Gomez has also brought a new discipline and purpose into the Ecuador squad which has seen them rise to 37th in the FIFA rankings.

Brazil were one of their conquests in qualifying - and any team that beats the samba stars deserves respect.

Gomez favours the tried-and-tested 4-4-2 formation and encourages his two full-backs to get forward at every opportunity.

And he seems to have instilled into his players the fact that they shouldn't fear their more high-profile rivals.

Italy, Croatia and Mexico provide the opposition in Group G this summer - and Gomez will ensure his team are well-prepared for all three matches.

A first-round exit would not be a disaster for the newcomers, but Gomez has equipped his men well enough for them to spring a surprise.