Ecuador arrived to Phoenix Arizona on Monday June 5th 2016 for their next Match, Ecuador vs Peru on June 8th for the Copa America Centenario group B match. They had their press conference and subsequently DT Quinteros y Fidel Martinez retired to the field to start their training. When they finished, that is when the magic began in mix zone.
Before the players retire to their team bus, they must pass through a U shaped cross walk, designed for the media to get a chance to ask a player for a few words or remarks called the mix zone. Several players passed, they waved and smiled, emitting a sense of excitement for tomorrow’s match. Some said no thanks and kept walking.
Arturo Mina from Independiente del Valle, who just recently eliminated Pumas from their Libertadores campaign, decided to stop, and that is when it happened.
John Baque who was dining with his fiancee, in a restaurant called El Gaucho Uruguayo in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was the lucky Ecuador fan who was on the phone via Facebook video chat, and was able to ask a question directly to Arturo Mina, John was star struck and could only muster hello to and good luck to Mina.
Soccer Chronicle will try our best to bring more of these rare opportunities straight to the fans in the future. Until then, good luck Ecuador, for bringing classy players like Arturo Mina to this magnificent tournament.