2006 FIFA World Cup Group E Rossi was sent off in the 28th minute after elbowing U.S. striker Brian McBride in a rash challenge that left the American with blood all over his face and requiring three stitches under his left eye. FIFA banned De Rossi for four matches (allowing him to return in the final) and fined him 10,000 CHF (£4,500). 2006 FIFA World Cup Group E Play in Group E of the 2006 FIFA World Cup began on 12 June and completed on 22 June 2006. Italy won the group, and advanced to the second round, along with Ghana. The Czech Republic and the
Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup The Ecuadorian national football team has appeared at three FIFA World Cups, the world's premier football tournament for national football teams. Ecuador's first participation in the World Cup was in 2002. Their best performance was in 2006, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16. From 1930 to 1938, Ecuador did not enter to qualify in the FIFA World Cup. Ecuador first entered to the World Cup qualifiers for the 1950 tournament, but withdrew from qualification. Ecuador did not enter for the 1954 and 1958 tournaments. From 1962 to 1998, Ecuador failed to