The World Cup is a great learning experience for teams and Ecuador will have taken plenty from their first finals.
Playing Italy first up is a pretty intimidating debut and it could have proved the end of a lesser team.
Despite losing that match they didn't lose heart and built as they went on, scoring their first goal against Mexico and then notching a memorable win over Croatia.
Agustin Delgado scored that first goal and came with a big reputation. Edison Mendez scored the winner against Croatia and was also very impressive.
They came through the marathon South American qualifying campaign second behind Argentina.
Although top spot may be beyond them in the future, they will be confident of gaining some greater consistency after picking up some tips at football's finishing school.