They still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the second round, should Mexico beat Italy and they beat the Coats by enough goals.
But South American football pundits are clear that such a "miracle" is most unlikely.
Coach Hernan Gomez and his players admit that their lack of experience on the biggest stage has caught up with them.
"We lacked character against Mexico, especially on midfield," Gomez said after the match.
And the papers are in full agreement.
El Comercio writes that, after a promising start, Ecuador dropped too deep and "inexplicably allowed Mexico to take the initiative".
The Guayaquil daily also says the midfield, which was Ecuador's strongest point during qualification, once again proved to be the team's weakest link in the finals, as it had happened against Italy.
El Universo writes that Ecuador have shown that they don't yet have the stature to play in World Cup finals, and the defeat by Italy was not enough to teach the players the necessary lessons.
Coach Hector Gomez said: "We lost because we are newcomers. We are a team without history, and this fact has taken its toll."