The Ecuadorian media are unhappy with Piero Hincapie’s performance following the Arsenal defender’s involvement in the defeat against the Ivory Coast.
The South American team suffered a 1-0 defeat in their World Cup opener as Man United attacker Amad Diallo netted a 90-minute winner.
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The Ecuadorians now have work to do in their next two group stage matches against Germany and Curaçao to avoid an early exit.
Following the game, the local media in Ecuador were not happy at all with how the team played and have been particularly critical of Hincapie.
Piero Hincapie struggles against the Ivory Coast
Piero Hincapie had a torrid evening against the Ivory Coast as Ecuador were beaten 1-0 in their first 2026 World Cup.
The Arsenal defender was making his World Cup debut, and it was not a game to remember, as Yan Diomande caused him many issues.
Hincapie was dribbled past four times during the match, which is the most by a defender in a 2026 World Cup match so far, according to OptaJoe.
The local media in South America have not been kind towards the defender and have given him very low match ratings.
- Primicias gave him a 4/10: “He spent much of the game watching Yan Diomande’s back, who easily outpaced him. He was also ineffective in attack.”
- ESPN Ecuador rated his performance just a 3/10: “He was outplayed on his flank by the speed of Guela Doue and Yan Diomande.
“He received little support from Minda in defence and made things difficult for himself on more than one occasion.”
Dimoande, who has been linked with Arsenal, proved why he is wanted by so many European clubs, as he tormented the Gunners’ defender.
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Meanwhile, the 24-year-old was also very ineffective going forward and has much to improve heading into the next two games.
Hincapie proved to be a superb signing for Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta will not be best impressed by his left back seeing him outside of his system.
The defender broke into the starting line-up towards the end of the season, ahead of Riccardo Calafiori, but has made a bad start to the World Cup.
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