RIO DE JANEIRO, June 25 — Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda believes his side can take inspiration from their South American neighbours as they look to become the sixth CONMEBOL nation to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup today.

Rueda’s men — who will be seeking to emulate their predecessors from 2006 in reaching the knockout stages — currently sit second in Group E ahead of Switzerland on goal difference.

However, they appear to face a tougher task in group leaders France in their final game, whilst the Swiss take on the pointless Honduras.

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Colombia have already booked their place in the last 16 in a tournament in which South and Central American sides have had the upper hand on their European counterparts.

“It shows the capacity and the power of the South American teams,” said 57-year-old Rueda yesterday.

“We hope to follow in their footsteps.”

With France’s impressive goal difference meaning they are all but assured to finish top of the group, boss Didier Deschamps is expected to hand a rest to a number of his key players, whilst midfielder Yohan Cabaye is suspended.

However, Rueda doesn’t believe that will benefit his side as many of the fringe players in the French squad will want to make a claim for a place in the side come the knockout stages.

“They will play with the same urgency as in the previous games because they will be looking for a place in the team for what is to come,” said the Colombian.

Enner Valencia has proved Ecuador’s star performer so far as he has scored all three of his side’s goals.

Two of the Pachuca striker’s goals have come from fine set-piece deliveries by club teammate Walter Ayovi, but Rueda wants his side to show more than simply a threat from dead balls.

“We always go out with the intention of playing well and being an organised team.

“The game will depend on our ability to have possession of the ball and create or knowing how to counteract the qualities of the opponent.

“If they are better on the ball than us then we have to be more intelligent and reduce the space for them to play in.” — AFP