By: Reuters | Published:September 14, 2017 1:05 pm

Ecuador, Gustavo Quinteros, Bolivia, Jorge Celico

Celico will take over Gustavo Quinteros, the Ecuadorian Football Federation said in a statement on Wednesday. (Source: Reuters)

Ecuador have sacked coach Gustavo Quinteros and replaced the former Bolivia defender with Argentine Jorge Celico as the team stands on the brink of missing the World Cup in Russia next year.

Ecuador, who lost 2-1 to Peru last week, are eighth in the South American qualifying standings with two rounds remaining. The top four teams qualify for the World Cup while the fifth-placed side can make it to Russia if they win a home-and-away playoff against New Zealand.

Celico is to take over on an interim basis, the Ecuadorian Football Federation said in a statement on Wednesday. His first responsibility will be to prepare the team for the final two qualifiers against Chile in Santiago and Argentina at home in Quito next month.

Ecuador can still qualify for next year’s tournament in Russia if they win both matches and other results go their way.

Ecuador sack coach Gustavo Quinteros after poor 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey

Ecuador, who lost 2-1 to Peru last week, are eighth in the South American qualifying standings with two rounds remaining. They can still qualify for next year's tournament in Russia if they win both matches and other results go their way.