Ecuador coach Luis Fernando resigns

Paraguay:

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez abruptly resigned after his side was battered 5-1 by Paraguay on Saturday, leaving Ecuador without points and in last place in South American World Cup qualifying.

"I have taken the irrevocable decision to resign," said Fernando Suarez, a Colombian.

His voice trembling with emotion, he thanked the leaders of the Ecuador federation for their support, and expected his departure to help the team.

"With my departure, I firmly think and believe this move can be of benefit to the national team in these difficult moments," he said.

Fernando Suarez led Ecuador to the last 16 at last year's World Cup in Germany in only the team's second appearance at the World Cup.

The coach since 2004, he agreed to lead Ecuador through this year Copa America in Venezuela and through qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

But Ecuador lost all three of its group matches at the Copa America, and was the only team yet to earn a point in World Cup qualifying through three rounds.

Before Saturday, Ecuador had lost to Venezuela 1-0 and Brazil 5-0, and was scheduled to meet Peru on Wednesday at home.

A replacement coach had yet to be named.