Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez was in charge of the Colombian side that was knocked out of France 98 in the first round.
He was also in the coaching set-up in USA 94 when Colombia's involvement ended in tragedy - defender Anders Escobar was shot on his return home after his own goal helped put the country out.
Gomez has now taken Ecuador to their first World Cup finals, leading them to second in the South American qualifiers, ahead of Brazil and Paraguay.
Indeed, his side beat Brazil 1-0 at home during those qualifiers and only lost the away match 3-2.
Regarded as a staunch disciplinarian, Gomez will have his side well drilled for their World Cup challenge.