Brazil at the 2006 FIFA World Cup World Cup, played Cameroon in the opening match; in 1994, Germany, winner of the 1990 World Cup, played Bolivia; in 1998, Brazil played Scotland and in 2002 France played Senegal). As of the 2006 World Cup, because of the change in the rules, with the last champion no longer having a secured berth in the competition, the opening match has become another privilege of the host nation (in the 2006 World Cup, Germany, as the host nation, played Costa Rica in the opening match). Despite being the returning champion, the Brazilian team debuted, against Croatia, only four days after 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