Today, at 1:30 p.m. Ecuador time, the Ecuadorian football team will play a friendly match against Germany, ranked second in the FIFA world rankings.

Germany is second only to Spain, who will also play a friendly match with Ecuador, on Aug. 14 in Guayaquil. Ecuadors team known as "Tricolor," now ranked tenth in the world, hopes to reap the benefits of facing top level competition.

Ever since Reinaldo Rueda became Ecuador’s coach, the team has played three games with European rivals:  Poland, Greece, and Portugal.

Rueda and company were victorious on the road and moved up in the rankings when they beat the latter, led by football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ecuadors next matches for the South American World Cup qualifiers are against Peru, in Lima, and Argentina, in Quito, on June 7 and 11. 

Rueda says todays game in Boca Raton, Florida, will be a reference point for the next two.

“We have to play with complete enthusiasm, with motivation, but conscious that it is a great team and an opponent that deserves respect,” he said.

Ecuador, currently second in the South American qualifying round with 20 points, has captured the attention of renowned rivals. The coach of the German Team, Joachim Low, stated that the Tri is a strong opponent; however, he is more focused on the teams friendly with the U.S.A. team, in Washington on June 2. 

The next round of the European World Cup qualifier matches isnt until September. Germany currently leads its group.

Source: ANDES