Ecuador sack manager Felix Sanchez after penalty kick shootout loss to Lionel Messi's Argentina in Copa America quarterfinals

Ecuador have sacked manager Felix Sanchez, despite the 48-year-old leading them into the Copa America quarterfinals

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• Ecuador fall to Argentina in Copa quarterfinals
• Sack manager Felix Sanchez
• Team now on hunt for new boss

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following their penalty shootout loss to Argentina Thursday night, a 1-1 draw with a 4-2 defeat from the spot, Ecuador announced that it is parting with Sanchez as manager of the national team.

  He was appointed on a four-year contract in March, 2023, and during his tenure, won 10 out of a possible 19 matches.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The sack was likely a surprise to the now ex-Ecuador boss, who spoke postgame about ambitions going forward into 2024.

  "We managed to advance from the group stage to the knockouts. I have congratulated the players even if we weren't able to progress," he told reporters postgame Thursday. "I think they deserve the credit, that is my opinion, but I think that in the next edition of this tournament, we'll get here with a more experienced team. These are very young players. Maybe the results were unfair, but I know that we have to believe in this group of players."

  Just hours after the defeat, Ecuador announced his departure.

• WHAT ECUADOR SAID

  "We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism, and wish him success in his future endeavors," the Ecuadorian Footballing Federation said.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ECUADOR?

  Sitting fifth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, Ecuador are back in action this September as they continue their hunt for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  They'll be on the hunt for a new manager, as well.