Nocturnal 
Ecuador’s national team made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Copa Kirin on Thursday, but their exit on penalties against Japan hasn’t been the main talking point among fans. Instead, it’s midfielder Jordy Alcívar who’s been trending on social media after a performance supporters simply weren’t happy with.
Alcívar started the match for Ecuador, known as “La Tri”, as the side looked to bounce back from a shaky display in their previous friendly against South Korea. According to Bolavip, the team actually showed a much-improved performance overall against Japan, but that didn’t stop fans singling out Alcívar almost from kick-off.
What fans are saying
Social media quickly filled up with criticism of the midfielder. Among the comments reported by Bolavip, one fan wrote: “But Alcívar is being protected. Because honestly, he’s not good enough for the national team.”
Another compared him unfavourably to fellow midfielder Denilson Castillo, writing: “Jordy Alcívar is a starter for the national team while Denilson Castillo, a starter in Europe, is on the bench.”
A third fan didn’t hold back either, saying: “Five minutes in and what’s happening with Jordy Alcívar and Pervis Estupiñán is already unsustainable. No improvement up front.”
It’s worth noting this isn’t the first time Alcívar has found himself under the microscope. Bolavip reports that fans have “always been discussing” the midfielder’s place in the squad, suggesting this is an ongoing debate rather than a one-off reaction.
Castillo snub and a late change
There had reportedly been talk before the match that Denilson Castillo might get the nod to start instead of Alcívar. In the end, the coaching staff stuck with Alcívar in the starting line-up, only to substitute him before the final whistle.
Despite the improved showing against Japan compared with the South Korea friendly, Ecuador couldn’t find a way through in normal time and the tie went to penalties, where Japan came out on top to book their place in the final. Ecuador’s Copa Kirin campaign is now over.
Where things stand now
For now, the criticism of Alcívar remains confined to social media chatter rather than any official statement from Ecuadorian football authorities or the coaching staff. Whether the pressure from fans leads to a change in selection for Ecuador’s next fixture remains to be seen.
Alcívar has not publicly responded to the criticism, and it’s unclear at this stage whether the debate over his place in the squad will die down or intensify ahead of Ecuador’s next outing.
